Tag Archives: Meghalaya

Meghalaya is set to elevate its cultural calendar to new heights as the Me’gong Festival returns to Tura on December 5th and 6th with a stellar global lineup led by pop-rock icon Richard Marx and internationally acclaimed electronic duo Yellow Claw. The 2025 edition further strengthens the State’s expanding cultural economy framework envisioned by Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, where festivals act as catalysts for tourism, livelihoods, and community-driven growth. Over the years, Me’gong has evolved into one of Meghalaya’s most influential cultural platforms. The 2024 edition drew more than 3 lakh visitors over two days—one of the highest footfalls for any festival in the Northeast—underscoring its rising national and international resonance. This rapid growth aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision of nurturing an economic ecosystem powered by music, culture, creativity, and indigenous heritage. From hospitality and transportation to artisans, food entrepreneurs, and local youth, the festival continues to generate widespread economic opportunities while positioning the Garo Hills as a major cultural and tourism hub. The 2025 edition of Me’gong will feature an exciting musical lineup, highlighted by Bollywood stars Kanika Kapoor and Neeti Mohan. They will share the stage with leading local bands including Rough Road, Hoi Hoi Makbil, Haystack Ladies, G-Hills Finest, Crack Gang, and Ahaia. This blend of celebrated Indian talents and homegrown artists promises an electrifying showcase that celebrates the soul of Garo Hills. The festival’s rising profile was further cemented in 2024 when iconic Swedish rock band EUROPE performed for the first time in Northeast India. Visitors to Me’gong can also indulge in authentic Garo cuisine and explore craft exhibitions, weaving demonstrations, bamboo artistry, and traditional beaded jewellery—each reflecting the region’s rich cultural …

Meghalaya’s iconic Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, the centrepiece of the State’s autumn cultural calendar and one of India’s most visually spectacular festivals, concluded with overwhelming public participation, star-powered performances, and an impressive showcase of the region’s cultural and creative dynamism. Over two days, thousands of visitors from across India and abroad gathered in Shillong to experience a celebration that blended global superstars with deep-rooted local artistry, reaffirming Meghalaya’s arrival on the national stage as a prime destination for music tourism, cultural experiences, and nature-led travel. The festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, who articulated the State’s long-term vision to build Cherry Blossom Festival into one of the most defining cultural celebrations in India. Addressing the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, he said, “This is one of the biggest festivals in the entire country. With your help, we will make it the biggest and the best and that is the target that we have. Festivals like these are truly important for our tourism sector. We’ll be working much harder in the future to ensure that our tourists get even better experience.” His remarks set the tone for a festival that not only dazzled audiences but also showcased Meghalaya’s larger strategy of nurturing a strong concert economy backed by local talent, global collaborations, and community participation. Nora Fatehi, The Script, Jason Derulo, Aqua and Diplo Light Up India’s Autumn Capital Day 1 began with a surge of energy as Nora Fatehi took over the stage with her signature performance style, bringing her electrifying flair to the festival’s opening night. The atmosphere rose to a new high when Irish rock icons The Script delivered their chart-topping hits, moving …