Shillong, Sep 2: The Meghalaya government is confident of another blockbuster tourism season, with the upcoming Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 set to feature international stars and new attractions while continuing to boost the state’s economy.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh once again highlighted figures that had been revealed a few months ago that, in 2024, the state invested Rs 23.50 crore across flagship events including Me•gong and Cherry Blossom festivals, Bryan Adams, Alan Walker and Ed Sheeran concerts and other events like Winter Tales and Shillong Literary Festival for a cumulative return of Rs 133.42 crore to the economy. “These festivals are not just cultural showcases; they are economic engines driving growth across sectors,” Lyngdoh said today.
Responding to concerns about global artists overshadowing homegrown talent, Lyngdoh stressed that Meghalaya’s musicians are also benefiting. “Through our daily [Grassroots Music Programme], over 7,000 artists have been covered so far. Many who once performed in Bengaluru or Delhi are now back in Meghalaya and even getting opportunities abroad. Next month, several will perform in Singapore,” he said.
Cherry Blossom Festival organiser Jason Manners confirmed that local acts will open for international headliners and network directly with them. “We already have two collaborations between Shillong-based artists and global performers in the pipeline, expected to release later this year,” he added.
Ticket prices are higher this year but Manners said that the Cherry Blossom Festival still remains reasonable when compared to global events and this is because of government subsidy.
Cherry Blossom 2025 will expand across Polo Grounds 2 and 3, with JN Stadium as the main stage. A new dedicated space will showcase rural entrepreneurs, curated by the tourism department. Among new activities, an arm-wrestling championship under the Pro Panja League has been added. Talks are also ongoing with major brands such as Tinder and Nykaa for sponsorship and collaborations.
Lyngdoh underlined that Meghalaya’s tourism strategy is tied to infrastructure expansion. “We are close to implementing the Umiam–Sohra circuit and are investing in five-star properties in both locations to attract high-value tourists,” he said.
Shillong has already been voted the most favoured tourist destination in the country, despite not having a fully functional airport. The government expects the Shillong Airport expansion to be completed by the end of 2026, which Lyngdoh described as a “game changer” for tourism.
Upcoming projects include two five-star hotels each in Sohra and Umiam, the Rain Museum at Mawsynram, and the Mawmluh experiential cave project. The minister also highlighted the growth of homestays, noting that Sohra alone has over 500 operational homestays, directly benefiting hundreds of families.
The state has also launched a Tourist Buddy Project, with 48 buddies already trained and a target of 100 by year-end.
“Festivals are not elitist events; they are investments in the state’s growth,” Lyngdoh claimed. “The economic benefits flow down to homestays, local businesses and rural communities.”
