The opening day of Ziro Music Festival 2025, on September 25, will be dedicated to late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who died at the age of 52 in Singapore waters on September 19. The festival, scheduled from September 25 to 28, will celebrate his musical legacy, featuring performances of his popular songs.

Garg, known for hits including “Ya Ali,” had travelled to Singapore to participate in the North East Festival when he was found unconscious in the water. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors were unable to save him.

The Assam government declared three days of official mourning starting September 20. His cremation is scheduled for September 23 at Kamarkuchi in Sonapur.

Authorities in Singapore have released Garg’s official death certificate, citing drowning as the cause of death, as confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The CM noted that the certificate is not a substitute for the post-mortem report, which is still awaited, and the final medical findings are expected to clarify the circumstances of his death.