Setting out in the heat of the sun, hearts were drooping for the most unifying force of Assam, where Zubeen Garg drew people from all walks of life - politicians, artists, tribal leaders, and ordinary citizens, assembled from all religions, lined up in lakhs flooding the streets and singing Mayabini.

His cremation on September 23, at Kamarkuchi in Sonapur, near Guwahati, was with full state honors. Approximately 85 family members, friends, and associates have travelled there, where his ashes will be immersed in Jorhat, his childhood home.

Fans honored Zubeen Garg with songs, flowers, and ‘gamosas,’ while medical teams assisted the large crowd braving the heat.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attended Zubeen da's funeral on behalf of the central government. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid his last respects to the singer at the cremation ground in Kamarkuchi village in Sonapur.Assam on Tuesday. His wife, Garima, cries agonizingly as ‘Mayabini’ is played at the funeral.

The University of Science and Technology sent out the following message: "A Final Goodbye… A Final Adieu to Our Heartthrob!"

You will live forever in our hearts…

Today, as our beloved Dr. Zubeen Garg, the eternal Humming King of the World, embarked on his final journey to Sonapur for the last rites, our hearts wept in silence, echoed in Mayabini......

As his funeral procession passed the National Highway 37, we had the honour—and the deep sorrow—of offering him one last tribute

With tearful eyes, our Hon’ble Chancellor Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. G. D. Sharma, along with students, faculty members, and administrative staff, came together to lay floral offerings before the heartthrob of India.

Zubeen Da, your voice may have fallen silent, but your melodies will forever echo in our souls. 💔

The USTM team also carried bottles of water to distribute to the crowds in the sweltering sun, a gesture of solace, comfort, and unity.

Chancellor Mahbul Hoque also set out a statement on Facebook on September 22nd: "Besides launching of Scholarships and Fellowships asap, ERDF/USTM may dedicate one of the future destination venture / Institution including a new University in the name of beloved Dr Zubeen Garg if situation permits.

Mission Matters .. Aamen !"

On August 27, 2024, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) held its 10th Convocation at its 9th Mile, Ri Bhoi campus, where renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was conferred an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree. The prestigious honor was awarded to Dr Zubeen Garg in recognition of his significant contributions to the music and cultural landscape of Assam, as well as his efforts in promoting peace, harmony, and societal development through art and philanthropy. 

Notably, Zubeen's massive funeral gathering is recorded in the Limca Book of Records as the world's fourth-largest gathering, after Michael Jackson, Pope Francis, and Queen Elizabeth.

When his body first arrived at Guwahati, over a million fans gathered at Sarusajai Stadium to pay their respects to the beloved Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, whose untimely death has left the state in mourning. There is a unique video of his wife, Garima, comforting a woman in an abhaya, who was weeping uncontrollably. Garima was the strength and love that gave Zubeen da his power.
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Following public demands to rule out foul play, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered a second autopsy, conducted Tuesday morning at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) with AIIMS-Guwahati doctors present. Authorities suspect an epileptic seizure may have contributed to his death, as Garg had similar episodes in recent years.

The funeral procession began at 7:30 am from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, with Assam police as pallbearers and a gun salute to honor the singer. Schools and offices across Assam are closed in mourning. Even Zubeen Garg’s four pet dogs were present, adding a touching farewell.

Earlier, fans had blocked the national highway on Sunday, demanding that the legend's remains be taken to Jorhat. Respecting their wishes, CM Sarma confirmed the ashes would be immersed there. However, it had been Zubeen's desire for his ashes to be immersed in the Brahmatupura,as he once expressed.

The Singapore High Commission’s death certificate lists “drowning” as the cause, but the second autopsy aims to ensure transparency and address public concerns.

Zubeen Garg's last song, in Singapore, "Tears of Heaven," raises goosebumps: "Would you know my name, If I saw you in Heaven?..." Zubeen Garg, the heartthrob of Assam and the Elvis Presley of the North East, lives on in Heaven. Rest in Peace and Joy!