An air of excitement shrouds India’s rock capital Shillong, as it prepares itself for the fifth edition of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Department. The narrow lanes of Demseiñ-Ïong are bustling with festival visitors dressed in layers to combat the crisp winter air as they wait for the showdown on November 14.
Ward’s Lake, home to Shillong’s cherry blossom trees, boasts clouds of pink interspersed between lush green. It also hosts the Japan Arena, where origami demonstrations, cosplay and Japanese-Pop performances will take place.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, says the Government expects over 50,000 at the festival this year. On till November 15, the two-day festival features Irish rock band, The Script, R & B artiste Jason Derulo, dancer and actress Nora Fatehi, pop band AQUA, rapper Tyga and three-time Grammy winner Diplo, among others. Earlier on November 13, The Script jammed on the streets at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, Shillong bringing the traffic to a stand still.
The programme also includes a special tribute to the late legendary artiste Zubeen Garg, performed by musicians who were close to him.
The artistes performing on the first day of the festival include EDM and pop band, Zephyrton, hip-hop artistes adL, Dappest, Walter Wahlang, Khasi Bloodz and EDM producer Prismer. Other artistes include Alive, Larger than 90, Bending Waves, Baddvision, Smokey, Gary Daniel, Arki, Some Guy, Isaac, and KLY.
On day two, the line-up features hip hop and R&B artiste Meba Ofilia, rock band Girish and the Chronicles, and Las Vegas-based laser performance duo, Arius. Other artistes include NATE08, Finding Mero, Arpan, Drum Tao, Sev, DJ Zethan, AHAIA, G Hills Finest, SoulGroove, Dalariti, Varun Vohra, Cardo, Brian, Catatonic and 793SZN.
Ronaldo Khardewsaw, bassist for the band Na U Bnai, which has performed at the Cherry Blossom Festival before, says, “The festival is an opportunity for us to meet international artistes and get inspired by them. In fact my favourite band, The Script, is performing at the festival.”
The Cherry Blossom Festival won four awards at 2025 WOW Awards Asia, including the Entertainment Event of the Year. It also emerged as the winner of Festival of the Year at the Northeast India Tourism Awards 2025. Festival goers can expect chugging contests, karaoke, and cosplay competitions.
Come for The Script; stay for the vibes..
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