Jason Derulo, The Script, Nora Fatehi to feature in Cherry Blossom Festival
Shillong, Sep 2: Government investments in various festivals and events in Meghalaya have proved to be successful as total investment of 23.5 crore yielded an impressive economic return of Rs 133.43 crore last year.
“The state invested Rs 23.50 crore in various events last year, including the Me-gong Festival, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, and Literary Festival, among others. The return on investment was a substantial Rs 133.42 crore,” Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh told reporters during unveiling of the Meghalaya’s Autumn Calendar 2025 on Tuesday.
The minister said Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for November 14-15 this year, had generated significant economic stimulus last year.
The state government invested Rs 5 crore in the festival while yielding Rs 59.98 crore in economic benefits, Lyngdoh said.
This year’s budget for the festival has been tentatively set at Rs 4 crore.
“This time around, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at JN Stadium, Shillong. In order to give visitors to the festival a different feel altogether where there will be a walk in facility and the entire stretch of the road leading to Polo Ground will be pedestrianised during the two-day festival. Also, we will have various stalls and displays as one walks towards the stadium,” the minister said.
Jason Derulo and The Script will headline the event, alongside Indian performer Nora Fatehi.
Nora Fatehi, known for her energetic performances, including at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, will make her first Indian show at the festival, he said.
The other festivals as per the calendar include Meghalaya Kayak Festival from October 14-18, the 7th Ahor 4×4 Offroad Challenge from October 23-25, Shillong Literary Festival from November 20-22, Me-gng Festival from November 28-29 and Winter Tales from December 11-13.
Further, the minister highlighted the government’s efforts to promote local talent through initiatives like the daily CMJMP programme, which has featured over 7,000 artistes.
“Many local bands and musicians who previously performed outside the state are now showcasing their talent in Meghalaya and even internationally. Some artistes will perform in Singapore next month,” he said.
Lyngdoh also informed that the government is focusing on developing tourism infrastructure, including connecting villages through tourism circuits.
The tourism policy document outlines plans to develop the sector in a holistic manner. Investments in 5-star properties at Umiam and Sohra are expected to attract high-end tourists and boost economic growth.
“Now we will have two more 5 Star properties at Umiam and two more at Sohra. Then we have the rain museum coming up at Mawsynram, Mawmluh experiential cave, all of these will further elevate the experience of tourists visiting Meghalaya,” he said.
Sohra has more than 500 homestays and many families are benefiting from them, he said.
