Assam: Outcry in Sribhumi after youths dance to Zubeen's 'Mayabini' song in remix version, video sparks outrage

As Assam continues to grieve the untimely demise of its cultural icon and musical legend Zubeen Garg, a viral video from Sribhumi has deepened the wound. The footage, captured by vlogger Debojyoti Sujan Debroy, shows a late-night Garba celebration where young men and women were seen dancing enthusiastically to festive beats. But what has stunned the state is the moment when the DJ (Joel Axom) transitioned from traditional Bihu rhythms to Zubeen’s revered track 'Mayabini Ratir Bukut', played in a distorted remix version.



Sources claimed that the DJ initially started the event with a tribute programme to Zubeen Garg, but the tribute allegedly did not turn out the way the organisers thought of, as the crowd started dancing to the song.

What was once hailed as a soulful anthem has now become synonymous with sorrow and remembrance following Garg’s tragic death in Singapore. For many, the sight of the youth dancing to the altered track felt jarring, even disrespectful. The backlash was swift, with residents of Sribhumi and fans across Assam condemning the organisers for showing insensitivity at a time of collective mourning. Netizens flooded social media demanding accountability, accusing the event’s DJ and organisers of “mocking grief” by allowing such a playlist.

The anger surrounding the viral video comes at a particularly fragile time. Garg’s song Mayabini, once celebrated for its romantic melancholy, has since become a poignant marker of loss. Admirers believe that its use in a party environment even unintentionally was a shocking departure from the respect owed to the late singer. For fans, this was not merely a lapse in judgment, but evidence of a growing cultural disconnect. Calls for greater sensitivity in public displays of art reverberated across Assam’s online communities.

Supporters of Zubeen Garg also linked their outrage to larger concerns about the circumstances of his death. Many accused organisers of the North East India Festival and his manager Siddhartha Sharma of negligence in allowing the singer to travel to Singapore despite his fragile health. Their sentiment was simple: Assam lost an irreplaceable voice, and mishandling his legacy whether in life or death is unacceptable.

Meanwhile, official inquiries into Garg’s passing are intensifying. On September 26, Assam’s CID issued notices requiring all individuals with knowledge of the singer’s final hours in Singapore to present their statements within 10 days. This includes members of the Assamese community abroad who were with Garg during the fateful yacht excursion where he drowned on September 19.

The Special Investigating Team (SIT), a 10-member unit led by Special DGP M.P. Gupta, has been conducting searches across multiple residences connected to the case. For the second consecutive day, officials searched the home of North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. Similar searches had earlier been carried out at the residences of Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma and fellow musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, both of whom were accompanying the singer during his final trip.

The SIT has already questioned artists and cultural figures whose testimonies may provide crucial leads. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made it clear that if the SIT’s findings do not inspire confidence, the government will recommend a CBI probe to ensure full transparency.

For now, Assam remains caught between heartbreak and outrage. To many, Zubeen Garg was not just a singer, but the collective voice of Assamese pride, culture, and resilience. His death has thrust an entire generation of admirers into mourning. The viral Garba clip only reaffirmed how deep those emotions run, as fans demand not only respect for his memory but also accountability for the circumstances that led to such a cultural icon’s untimely end.

Even as heartfelt tributes pour in, authorities warn citizens not to fall prey to rumours. Assam Police recently dismissed claims of state-wide internet bans circulating online, labelling them the work of “mischief mongers.” Clear-eyed focus, they say, is essential as the investigation moves forward.