India bids tearful farewell to maverick musician

Tens of thousands of mourners thronged the streets of India's northeastern Assam state on Tuesday to bid farewell to a flamboyant artiste, celebrated as much for his music as for his irreverent persona.

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Zubeen Garg, 52, died by drowning in Singapore last week, triggering a massive outpouring of grief among his millions of fans in Assam, where he enjoyed a cult-like status.

"He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a condolence message.

“His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life.”

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state had “lost one of its favourite sons”.

“Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls,” he said in a statement.