Government of Meghalaya launched Autumn Calendar 2025, featuring a rich line-up of festivals, international collaborations, sporting events, and cultural showcases. The initiative reflects Meghalaya’s ambition to emerge as a global cultural and tourism hub, while empowering local artists, youth, and communities. The calendar also underscores the economic impact of cultural tourism, with past editions demonstrating high returns on investment.
Key Highlights
Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project:
- Daily music sessions across the state to showcase local talent.
- Platform to promote Meghalaya’s youth in arts and music.
International Participation:
- Meghalaya artists to perform at the North-East India Festival in Singapore.
- Another delegation to represent Meghalaya at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Major Festivals & Events in 2025:
- Megha Kayak Festival (Ri-Bhoi, Oct 14–18): Global participation of kayakers; last year’s event had 3 major races with USD 20,000 prize money.
- Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge (Oct 23–25): Northeast’s biggest motorsport challenge with tougher tracks for off-roaders.
- Cherry Blossom Festival (Shillong JN Stadium): Global music performances; past line-up included Akon, Boney M, and Clean Bandit.
- Shillong Literary Festival (Nov 20–22).
- Me·gong Festival (Nov 28–29).
- Winter Tales Festival (Dec 11–13).
Tourism & Economic Impact:
- In 2024, expenditure of ₹23.50 crore generated returns of ₹133.42 crore.
- Festivals viewed as strategic investments for boosting tourism, local employment, and state revenue.
Meghalaya – Cultural & Geographical Facts
- Capital: Shillong (known as the “Scotland of the East”).
- Official Languages: Khasi, Garo, English.
- Governor (2025): Shri. C. H. Vijayashankar
- Chief Minister (2025): Conrad K. Sangma.
- Tourism Significance: Famous for living root bridges, Cherrapunji (Sohra), Mawlynnong (cleanest village in Asia), and cultural festivals.
- Tourism Tagline: “Meghalaya – Abode of Clouds”
- Music Legacy: Shillong is often called the “Rock Capital of India”.
Major Meghalaya Festivals
- Wangala Festival – Post-harvest festival of the Garo tribe, also called the “100 Drums Festival.”
- Behdienkhlam Festival – Celebrated by the Jaintia community to ward off evil spirits.
- Shad Suk Mynsiem – “Dance of Joyous Heart,” a major Khasi thanksgiving festival.
- Autumn Festival / Cherry Blossom Festival – Symbol of Meghalaya’s cultural diplomacy and international appeal.
Significance of Cherry Blossom Festival
- India’s only International Cherry Blossom Festival (unique to Shillong).
- Symbolizes India-Japan cultural ties, as cherry blossoms are iconic in Japan.
- Boosts eco-tourism and places Meghalaya on the global cultural tourism map.
Tourism & Economy Link
- Tourism contributes significantly to Meghalaya’s economy, supporting local handicrafts, cuisine, homestays, and eco-tourism.
- The state leverages cultural tourism as a soft power strategy to attract international visitors.