Guwahati, Nov 18: Assam commemorated the 53rd birth anniversary of cultural icon Zubeen Garg on Tuesday with widespread tributes across the state. This marked the first anniversary after his death on September 19, prompting organisations and political parties to hold day-long memorial events in his honour.

Fans gathered outside Garg’s Kahilipara residence at midnight to cut a cake placed before his photograph, joined by his wife Garima Saikia Garg and sister Palmee Borthakur. Attendees sang the birthday song along with many of his popular hits. Devotees also visited ‘Zubeen Kshetra,’ the site of his cremation, offering flowers and traditional ‘gamosas,’ lighting lamps, and performing his songs as a tribute.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid homage, stating, “Some presence fades from sight but shines brighter in memory,” and expressed on X that Garg’s legacy will remain in the hearts of Assam’s people.

Political parties organised various programmes to honour the singer. The BJP held a blood donation camp, while the Congress hosted an event titled ‘Kanchanjunga-Sanskriti Houk Maitreyir Mantra’ to celebrate his cultural contributions, attended by Assam Pradesh Congress President Gaurav Gogoi. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) observed the day as ‘Jatiya Swabhiman Diwas’ with a tribute ceremony, blood donation camp, song performances, and sapling planting.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) conducted a three-day commemorative programme across district headquarters, including art camps, cycle rallies, and tree-planting activities. The All Assam Zubeen Garg Fan Club also organised events statewide, and members of the Gauhati Press Club paid floral tributes.

Zubeen Garg, born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore during a yacht trip while attending the North East India Festival (NEIF). The anniversary events reflected the deep affection and enduring respect for his contributions to Assam’s cultural landscape.