SHILLONG: The much-anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is all set to make a grand return, promising an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and culture that captures the vibrant spirit of Meghalaya.
This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular — The Script, Jason Derulo and Nora Fatehi will take the stage on Day 1, followed by performances from Aqua and Tyga on Day 2. The festival will culminate in a high-energy finale featuring world-renowned DJ and producer Diplo.
Announcing the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma revealed that a special tribute to the late Zubeen Garg will be one of the major highlights. “We also have talented local artists like Meba, Ophelia, Dappest X ADL, along with national and international acts such as Girish and The Chronicles and Arius,” he said.
Beyond the music, the festival will offer an array of activities including the Mr. and Miss Cherry Blossom competition, cosplay, arm wrestling, and more. Multiple festival zones will be spread across Shillong, with the main stage at JN Stadium, along with events at the Polo Grounds and MFA Grounds. Tickets are now available online and at designated box offices in the city.
“I take this opportunity to invite all citizens and visitors to join us for this vibrant celebration of art, culture, and music. Let us come together to make this a memorable experience,” the Chief Minister urged.
On the tourism front, Sangma said the government aims to surpass last year’s figure of 50,000 stay-over tourists. “If we include day visitors, the numbers will easily cross a lakh,” he noted, adding that the festival continues to be a major driver of Meghalaya’s tourism economy.
To manage the expected surge in visitors, the government will replicate traffic arrangements used during major concerts such as those of Ed Sheeran and Bryan Adams. “There will be designated no-traffic and no-car-movement zones during specific hours. While traffic is always dynamic, our past experience will help us manage it more efficiently this time,” Sangma said.
When asked about the festival coinciding with school examinations, the Chief Minister acknowledged the concern but clarified that the dates align with the natural cherry blossom season. “We will ensure the impact on students is minimized,” he assured.
Highlighting the broader tourism strategy, Sangma said the festival is part of an effort to build a comprehensive tourism ecosystem. “Over the years, homestays and facilities have improved, and more investment is coming in. We hope visitors will explore other destinations across Meghalaya and, in turn, contribute to the local economy,” he added.
