The Assam government has announced a unique initiative to honor the late singer and composer Zubeen Garg. The state will distribute his ashes to organizations and individuals through an online application process. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu shared this information with the press, explaining that the cultural department will oversee the procedure.
The move comes days after Zubeen Garg’s funeral at Kamarkuchi near Guwahati, where thousands gathered to bid farewell. The beloved 52-year-old singer passed away in Singapore on September 19 after drowning at sea. His cremation was performed with full state honors in Assam.
Kamarkuchi Cremation Site Secured
Minister Pegu confirmed that the Kamarkuchi site, where Zubeen Garg was cremated, has already been secured. Temporary barricades were installed soon after the funeral. Starting Tuesday night, construction of a permanent boundary wall has also begun.
He added that the site will be preserved as a memorial complex. Work on demarcation and fencing will be carried out in phases. A police camp will be stationed at the memorial to ensure safety and allow fans to pay their respects peacefully.
Online Distribution of Ashes
Explaining the process, Minister Pegu stated that the government will launch a dedicated online portal. Through this portal, organizations and institutions can apply to receive a portion of Zubeen Garg’s ashes. The cultural department will monitor the entire process.
He clarified that priority will be given to cultural and social organizations. If ashes remain after distribution to organizations, individual applications will be considered. The initiative aims to give admirers a chance to preserve the memory of the singer in their communities.
Part of Ashes to be Taken to Jorhat
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier announced that a part of the ashes would be taken to Jorhat. Zubeen Garg spent his early years in this eastern town, and local communities had demanded a symbolic final ritual there.
According to Pegu, the thirteenth-day rituals associated with his passing will be conducted in Jorhat. A memorial will also be built in the town, with a site to be finalized soon. This move ensures that both Kamarkuchi and Jorhat will serve as important landmarks for remembering the singer’s legacy.
Zubeen Garg’s Legacy and Influence
Zubeen Garg was more than a singer; he was a cultural icon of Assam. His career spanned music, acting, and social activism. Over the decades, he became a voice of identity for Assamese people and gained recognition across India.
Fans recall his contribution to Assamese cinema, his soulful playback singing in Bollywood, and his tireless work to promote regional art. The massive turnout during his funeral highlighted how deeply his music had touched lives. Distributing his ashes ensures that his admirers across Assam and beyond can feel connected to his memory.
Government’s Role in Honoring the Singer
The Assam government has taken several steps to honor Zubeen Garg. His funeral was conducted with full state honors, acknowledging his role as a cultural ambassador.
By preserving the Kamarkuchi cremation site and planning another memorial in Jorhat, the government is institutionalizing his legacy. The online portal for ashes distribution is also an innovative approach, ensuring transparency while addressing the emotional needs of fans.
Kamarkuchi Memorial: Plans and Security
Minister Pegu detailed plans for the Kamarkuchi memorial. After demarcation, a strong boundary wall will be constructed to secure the cremation site permanently. Visitors will be able to come and pay tributes in a safe environment.
A permanent police camp will be established inside the memorial complex. This will prevent overcrowding and ensure that the site remains accessible yet protected. Authorities expect a large number of visitors in the coming months as fans continue to mourn.
Public Sentiments
The death of Zubeen Garg created a wave of grief across Assam and other northeastern states. Tributes poured in from musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens. Cultural organizations organized candle marches, musical evenings, and prayer meetings in his memory.
Many admirers wanted to preserve part of his ashes as a personal tribute. By opening applications to both organizations and individuals, the government has responded to this emotional demand while keeping the process structured.
Rituals and Memorial in Jorhat
Jorhat, often regarded as a cultural hub of Assam, played a major role in Zubeen Garg’s formative years. Local communities insisted that final rituals must also take place there to honor his connection with the town.
Minister Pegu confirmed that the thirteenth-day rituals will be performed in Jorhat. The government will soon select land to build a memorial in the city. This dual-site approach allows people from both central and eastern Assam to participate in honoring the late singer.
A New Model of Cultural Memorials
The government’s decision to distribute ashes online and build multiple memorials is being seen as a new model of cultural preservation. It not only respects the wishes of fans but also integrates modern technology with tradition.
Observers believe this model could serve as an example for future cases involving public figures who hold immense emotional value. By using an online portal, the process becomes more inclusive and transparent.
Zubeen Garg’s Impact on Assam’s Identity
Zubeen Garg was often described as the cultural heartbeat of Assam. His songs celebrated the region’s heritage, while his activism brought attention to social issues. His untimely death has left a void that many say cannot be filled.
By institutionalizing his memory through memorials and distributing ashes, the government ensures his presence continues in the cultural consciousness. For future generations, Kamarkuchi and Jorhat will symbolize not just mourning but also inspiration.
The Assam government’s plan to distribute Zubeen Garg’s ashes through an online application process is a unique way of connecting his legacy with the people. With memorials planned at both Kamarkuchi and Jorhat, his admirers will have places to remember him with reverence.
Minister Ranoj Pegu’s detailed announcement highlighted the state’s commitment to safeguarding the cremation site, building permanent infrastructure, and managing public emotions. Zubeen Garg’s death was a tragic loss, but the steps being taken ensure that his memory will remain alive for generations.
As Assam moves forward, the voice of Zubeen Garg will continue to echo in its music, its culture, and now in the sacred spaces being created in his honor.
