Assam Bars Shyamkanu Mahanta from State Events, Ends Financial Associations

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firm and unprecedented step by imposing a complete ban on Shyamkanu Mahanta and all organisations associated with him from holding any events or festivals within the state. This decisive move comes in response to widespread public outrage following the tragic death of popular singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore during a yacht outing. Sarma announced that the state government would also refrain from providing any financial grants, sponsorships, or advertisements to events associated with Mahanta, either directly or indirectly. Moreover, the Assam government intends to request the Government of India not to extend any financial assistance or sponsorship to him in any manner.

The ban and financial cut-off follow multiple FIRs filed against Mahanta, the chief organiser of the North East India Festival, and Sidharth Sarma, Garg’s manager, in connection with the incident. The singer’s sudden death has triggered widespread scrutiny over the safety measures during the Singapore trip, raising questions about accountability, responsibility, and adherence to safety protocols. The tragedy has stirred immense public anger across Assam, as Zubeen Garg was not merely seen as an entertainer but as a cultural icon who represented the aspirations, emotions, and identity of the Assamese people. His untimely demise has created a wave of grief and anger, prompting demands for justice against those allegedly responsible.

Earlier, Mahanta had claimed that Garg had traveled on the yacht with local Assamese community members and stated that festival organisers had no prior knowledge of the outing. However, this explanation did not satisfy public sentiment, as social media campaigns intensified, demanding accountability and holding Mahanta and Sidharth Sarma morally responsible for the singer’s death. The public sentiment has been one of frustration and grief, reflecting the deep connection Assam has with Garg and the impact of his loss on the cultural and social fabric of the state.

The response to Garg’s passing was immediate and profoundly emotional. Assam witnessed an unprecedented and deeply moving funeral at Kamarkuchi NC village, where the legendary singer was laid to rest with full state honours. The funeral procession drew massive crowds and resembled a cultural pilgrimage, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and numerous celebrities joining ordinary citizens to pay their respects. True to Garg’s 2019 prophecy regarding his iconic song “Mayabini,” the haunting melody was played continuously throughout the cremation ceremonies, allowing the entire state to participate in a symbolic homage to his legacy.

During the funeral, Garg’s sister, Palme Borthakur, performed the sacred mukhagni ritual alongside his protégé Rahul Gautam, while his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, participated in the ceremonies amid Vedic hymns and ceremonial gun salutes. The event became not only a tribute to the beloved singer but also a moment of collective mourning and cultural reverence, reflecting the enduring legacy and impact of Zubeen Garg on Assam’s cultural identity.

Overall, the Assam government’s actions—including the ban on Shyamkanu Mahanta, financial restrictions, and the high-profile funeral—underscore the seriousness with which the state has responded to the tragedy. These measures aim to ensure accountability, protect public sentiment, and honour the legacy of Zubeen Garg, while simultaneously addressing concerns about public safety and the ethical responsibilities of event organisers. The incident and the government’s response have highlighted the critical importance of cultural icons in Assam and the collective responsibility to safeguard their welfare and the integrity of public events.