Month after drowning tragedy in Singapore, devoted fans transform cremation ground into ‘Zubeen Dham’
A small village on the outskirts of Guwahati has transformed into a place of pilgrimage following the death of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg . The 52-year-old singer drowned in Singapore on September 19, 2025 , and was cremated with full state honours on September 23 at Kamarkuchi village in Sonapur , approximately 31 kilometers from Guwahati.
Even a month after his passing, thousands of mourners continue to visit Kamarkuchi daily, turning the cremation site into a sacred shrine . The approximately 10-bigha (roughly 2.5 acres) area has been designated as ‘Zubeen Dham’ by devoted followers. The site has evolved with pathways created by the constant flow of visitors, who light candles, offer flowers, and present traditional Assamese gamosas .
Young volunteers have committed to serving visitors at the memorial for the rest of their lives . The cremation site is draped with garlands, gamosas, and images of the singer, as devotees continue prayers and rituals . Recent controversy emerged when district authorities imposed visiting hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., prompting protests from student organizations demanding 24-hour access .
The Assam government has announced plans to construct official memorials both at Kamarkuchi and in Jorhat, recognizing the profound cultural impact of the singer who worked across 40 languages and was regarded as one of Assam’s most influential musicians
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