New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid heartfelt tribute to legendary singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg after receiving his mortal remains at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early hours of Sunday, September 21.

Sarma placed a floral wreath and a traditional Assamese gamocha on the coffin at around 12:55 am, in the presence of Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, senior officials from the Assam and Union governments, and several admirers.

In an emotional moment, Sarma joined others in singing Garg’s popular track Mayabini, fulfilling the late singer’s wish that the song be sung after his passing. The mortal remains had arrived from Singapore on Air India Flight AI 2116 and were later flown to Guwahati on a special chartered aircraft.

The Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning from September 20 to 22, suspending all official entertainment and celebratory events, though essential service activities under Sewa Saptah will continue.

Sarma confirmed that Garg’s body will be taken to his Kharghuli residence from Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport before being placed at Sarusajai Sports Complex and Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex for the public to pay their last respects.

Hundreds of admirers gathered outside Guwahati airport on Saturday, leading to a mild lathi charge by police to control the crowd, ANI reported.

The Chief Minister revealed that Garg had initially worn a life jacket before removing it, reportedly calling it oversized. He was later found floating in the sea at Singapore’s Lazarus Island and was declared dead at Singapore General Hospital despite resuscitation efforts.

The final venue for Garg’s cremation will be decided after consultations with his family and cultural organisations, with a state cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday evening.