Writer by Sanjoy gorh
Assam is preparing to observe the first death anniversary of legendary singer and musician Zubeen Garg, with a three-day programme planned at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur from September 17 to 19, 2026. A reported plan involving around 10,000 Muslims offering namaz at the memorial has added another dimension to the tribute, highlighting the wide emotional connection Zubeen had with people across communities.
Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025, at the age of 52. As the first anniversary approaches, admirers across Assam are preparing to remember the singer through prayers, cultural programmes, religious observances and public tributes.
Recent reports confirm that a three-day commemorative programme will be held at Zubeen Khetra, Sonapur, beginning September 17. The programme has been announced in connection with the first death anniversary and will include religious and cultural activities.
Zubeen Garg First Death Anniversary Programme in Sonapur
The first death anniversary programme is expected to become one of the major public commemorations dedicated to Zubeen Garg since his death.
According to recent reports, the programme will begin on September 17, 2026, with prayers and remembrance. The second day will focus on cultural activities, while religious observances are also planned during the three-day gathering.
The event is being organised at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur, the memorial site associated with the singer and his final resting place.
The programme is intended not only to remember Zubeen as a singer but also to recognise his contribution to Assamese culture, music and society.
Around 10,000 Muslims Expected to Offer Namaz
One of the reported developments surrounding the anniversary is the expected participation of around 10,000 Muslims from different parts of Assam.
The reported gathering is expected to include namaz and prayers for Zubeen Garg’s soul at or around his memorial in Sonapur on September 19.
However, the specific figure of 10,000 and the detailed arrangements for the proposed namaz should be treated as a reported plan until organisers or authorities formally confirm the number and logistics. Recent mainstream reports about the anniversary programme confirm the three-day commemorative event but do not independently establish the 10,000 figure.
If the planned participation takes place on that scale, it would represent a significant public expression of respect from Assam’s Muslim community.
Tribute Goes Beyond Religion and Community
Zubeen Garg’s popularity extended far beyond music.
For many people in Assam, he represented a cultural identity rather than simply being a successful singer. His songs reached listeners from different communities, generations and social backgrounds.
That broad connection is reflected in the diverse ways people have remembered him since his death.
The reported Muslim prayer gathering can therefore be viewed in the wider context of Assam’s continuing remembrance of Zubeen Garg. Rather than limiting the anniversary to one form of tribute, different groups are expected to express their respect through their own traditions.
The planned programme itself is multi-faith and cultural in nature. Reports say the opening day will include a multi-faith prayer session, while later events will include cultural programmes and religious rituals.
Three-Day Zubeen Garg Anniversary Programme
The commemorative programme is expected to run from September 17 to September 19.
September 17 – Zubeen Divas and Prayers
The first day is expected to focus on remembrance and prayers.
Recent reports state that September 17 will be observed as ‘Zubeen Divas’ as part of the anniversary programme. People from different parts of Assam are expected to participate.
The opening activities are intended to remember Zubeen’s life and contribution while offering prayers for peace.
September 18 – Cultural Tributes
The second day is expected to feature cultural programmes dedicated to Zubeen Garg.
Music and cultural performances are particularly significant because Zubeen spent more than three decades contributing to Assam’s musical landscape.
His songs continue to be played and remembered by fans, making music one of the most natural ways for admirers to honour his memory.
September 19 – First Death Anniversary
September 19, 2026, marks one year since Zubeen Garg died in Singapore.
Reports on the commemorative programme indicate that religious activities will also be held on the final day, including a Bhagawat Paath/Naam-related observance.
The reported Muslim prayer gathering would add another important element to the day’s remembrance if the proposed arrangements are carried out.
Why Zubeen Khetra Is Important
Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur has become closely associated with the singer’s legacy.
The location is where Zubeen Garg’s final rites were performed after his death. His cremation took place at Kamarkuchi, Sonapur, on September 23, 2025, with full state honours.
Since then, the site has increasingly become a place where fans and admirers gather to remember him.
Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen’s wife, has also spoken about developing Zubeen Khetra as a permanent space for preserving his legacy. Proposals have included facilities such as a library, museum and open-air stage.
Such developments could eventually transform the memorial into a cultural destination documenting Zubeen’s contribution to Assamese music and the wider arts.
Zubeen Garg’s Death and the Continuing Demand for Justice
Zubeen Garg died in Singapore on September 19, 2025, following an incident during a yacht trip in waters near Lazarus Island.
He had travelled to Singapore in connection with the North East India Festival and was scheduled to perform there the following day.
His death triggered widespread mourning across Assam and generated continuing public interest in the circumstances surrounding what happened.
As the first anniversary approaches, remembrance and calls for accountability are therefore expected to appear alongside each other.
Garima Saikia Garg has previously said that she is waiting for justice and hopes that the complete truth surrounding Zubeen’s death will eventually emerge. She has also appealed for patience and faith in the legal process.
This makes the anniversary more than a ceremonial occasion for many admirers. It is also an opportunity to remember Zubeen while keeping attention on the demand for a clear and lawful resolution.
A Symbol of Assam’s Cultural Unity
The reported participation of thousands of Muslims in prayers for Zubeen Garg is significant because of the cultural space he occupied in Assam.
Zubeen was known for connecting with audiences through music rather than limiting his appeal to a particular community.
His songs became part of everyday life for many Assamese families, while his work across different languages helped him reach listeners outside Assam as well.
The first death anniversary is therefore expected to bring together people with different backgrounds who share a common connection to his music and memory.
What to Expect on September 19
People planning to visit Zubeen Khetra should follow official announcements regarding:
- Entry and crowd-management arrangements
- Parking and traffic restrictions
- Prayer timings
- Cultural programme schedules
- Security arrangements
- Religious-event guidelines
- Any restrictions announced by local authorities
Because large numbers of people may gather at the memorial, visitors should rely on official instructions rather than unverified social-media posts.
Zubeen Garg’s Legacy Lives On
A year after his death, Zubeen Garg remains deeply present in Assam’s cultural conversation.
The planned three-day programme at Zubeen Khetra is expected to bring together music lovers, family members, cultural organisations and people from different communities.
The reported plan for around 10,000 Muslims to offer namaz would, if confirmed and carried out, become another powerful expression of the affection and respect people continue to hold for him.
Ultimately, the first death anniversary is likely to be remembered not simply as a day of mourning but as a reflection of Zubeen Garg’s extraordinary cultural reach.
His songs remain alive, his influence continues among younger generations, and his memorial at Sonapur is becoming an important place for people to gather and remember an artist who became much more than a singer for Assam.
As September 19 approaches, Zubeen Khetra is expected to become a major centre of remembrance, prayer, music and solidarity—bringing together people who continue to believe that Zubeen Garg’s voice and legacy will remain part of Assam for generations to come.