Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 16: The Shillong Cherry Blossom Music & Arts Festival 2025 came to a spectacular close at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, reaffirming Meghalaya’s position as a leader in India’s concert economy. Over two unforgettable days, the festival blended international stardom with local artistry, showcasing the state’s cultural richness while driving tourism, employment, and economic growth.
The festival kicked off with a grand inauguration by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, highlighting the government’s vision of making the Cherry Blossom Festival a complete cultural package. The evenings were filled with dazzling performances, including Bollywood sensation Nora Fatehi, Irish rock legends The Script, and pop superstar Jason Derulo.
A deeply moving tribute to the late Zubeen Garg brought the stadium together in a heartfelt chorus of ‘Mayabini’, performed by Zublee Baruah, Prabin Borah, Priyanka Bharali, and Arupjyoti Baruah. The night surged into high gear with international chart-toppers Aqua and Tyga, and the grand finale belonged to three-time Grammy-winning DJ and producer Diplo.
The festival featured a range of activities, including cosplay showcases, immersive art installations, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant local crafts. The event highlighted the CM Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, a model providing structure, exposure, and opportunity to nurture local artists.
