Meghalaya Unveils Autumn Calendar 2025: Global Artists, Iconic Festivals & Daily Music Across the State
Six flagship festivals, international performers, and grassroots musicians to drive Meghalaya’s grandest cultural season yet
Mumbai / National, September 3, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, has officially revealed the Autumn Calendar 2025, presenting an exciting line-up of festivals that firmly establish Meghalaya as one of India’s most dynamic cultural hotspots. With world-class performances, international sports competitions, literary dialogues, and sustainability-driven showcases, the calendar reflects Meghalaya’s growing stature as a global cultural, music, and tourism hub.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, remarked, “These festivals should not be considered expenses but investments that attract tourists, empower local talent, boost the economy, and generate resources for other vital sectors.” The scale and range of these festivals highlight Meghalaya’s strong positioning as a cultural powerhouse while ensuring benefits directly reach youth and communities.
CM Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project: Statewide Daily Music
A signature highlight of 2025 is the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP), delivering daily music performances across the state during the festive season. The initiative has already made an impressive mark, with 7,750+ artists performing in over 13,000 shows and creating 175 salaried jobs for crew and coordinators. This year, the project provides the cultural heartbeat of the Autumn Calendar, ensuring local talent shines alongside international stars.
Artists from CM-MGMP will soon perform at the North-East India Festival in Singapore and at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Festival Line-Up:
Megha Kayak Festival (October 14–18, Umtham Village, Ri-Bhoi): Adventure seekers can expect high-energy whitewater races in stunning natural surroundings, following the global recognition achieved in 2024 with $20,000 prize events.
Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge (October 23–25): One of Northeast India’s toughest motorsport events returns with more challenging tracks, strengthening Meghalaya’s motorsport identity.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival (November 14–15, JN Stadium Polo, Shillong): Featuring global stars Jason Derulo, The Script, Nora Fatehi, and more, this edition promises a spectacular celebration in the city’s heart. In 2024, the festival generated ₹60 crore in economic returns from a ₹5 crore investment.
Shillong Literary Festival (November 20–22): The fifth edition will welcome acclaimed authors, poets, and thinkers. The 2024 edition drew nearly 20,000 participants with names like Vikram Seth and Shobhaa De.
Me·gong Festival (November 28–29, Songsak, East Garo Hills): Showcasing Meghalaya’s unique food, craft, and music, with a blend of global influences. In 2024, legendary band EUROPE mesmerized the audience alongside grassroots talent.
Winter Tales Festival (December 11–13, Ward’s Lake): A celebration of indigenous arts, crafts, music, cuisine, and brews, featuring storytelling, haiku jams, and cultural exhibitions.
The Government of Meghalaya views these festivals as key economic drivers. In 2024, an expenditure of ₹23.50 crore generated returns worth ₹133.42 crore, underscoring the transformative power of culture and tourism.
With international stars, global sports icons, acclaimed writers, and thousands of grassroots performers, the Autumn Calendar 2025 is poised to be Meghalaya’s most impactful and sustainable cultural season yet
