This is not about my travel explorations, it’s about a part that has shaped my memories since childhood. This is about someone whose soulful music feels like home in California, 8000 miles away from home. Waking up to this tragic news made a part of me shrink- and memory from each song keeps flooding in. Like so many Millennials in Assam, I grew up with Zubeen Garg’s soulful voice as the soundtrack to my life. There was always a song for every moment—fresh crushes and heartbreaks, a peppy start to a sunny morning or a slow book read on a rainy day, Bihu celebrations, karaoke nights with both Assamese and non-Assamese friends, and the quiet moments when I wanted to be alone. Now, 8,000 miles away from home, his music became my evening ritual—my companion on long commutes after a strenuous day at work. Every note felt like home. The first Assamese movie I ever watched in a theatre was Hiya Diya Niya—remembered to this day for its unforgettable score. The bittersweet feeling of hearing Mayabini for the first time is still fresh; for me, it isn’t just a song—it’s a warm hug wrapped in memory. When he sang ‘Xixhu’ in memory of his sister, we all cried together. ‘Pakhi loga mur mon’ gave flight to my dreams. ‘Maya’ and ‘Kokal Khamusia’ inspired the dreamy-eyed girl I once was, and ‘Andhaar Hobo Nuaru’ felt like a quiet companion through darker times. His first album, ‘Anamika’ from 1992 was like gold that suddenly flowed into the Assamese music industry and never stopped flowing until now. @zubeen.garg ‘s life was defined by an insatiable curiosity—exploring notes, words, instruments, and musical ideas to create melodies that will last forever. His voice transcended his own struggles and pain, bridging generations and bringing us together through song. He might be known as the ‘Ya Ali’ singer to the world, but for us you are Assam’s heart throb ‘Zubeen da’ . Thank you, for giving us melodies that will live in our hearts long after the music stops. Your voice is eternal. Rest in peace, legend—there can never be another you. 💔 #zubeen #zubeengarg #assamese #california #bidexotapunmanuh #assameseincalifornia