Shillong, Oct 29: Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival returns on November 20-21 with hip-hop legend Nelly and R&B superstar Khalid headlining the “Year of Generations” edition, as producer Rockski EMG credited the Government of Meghalaya for turning it into India’s No.1 music festival.
The festival, honoured as Music Festival of the Year at EEMAX Global 2025, has become Meghalaya’s most powerful tourism brand, bringing global artists to Shillong and creating opportunities for local talent and businesses, the organisers said.
The 2026 edition will open a day early with an International Music Summit on November 19 in collaboration with India International Music Week, bringing international festival promoters, record labels and booking agents to connect with Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project artists and local musicians.
It will also debut Cherry Blossom FIT CHECK, a fashion and self-expression competition with a Rs 20 lakh cash prize pool, alongside a Red Bull Fan Zone, MMA, armwrestling, cosplay and lifestyle experiences, with tickets live on http://www.rocskitickets.com.
