‘Mayabini’ echoes through JLN stadium in powerful homage to Zubeen Garg
Shillong, November 17 : The Shillong Cherry Blossom Music & Arts Festival 2025 came to a spectacular close, reaffirming Meghalaya’s position as one of the leaders in India’s concert economy. Over two unforgettable days, the festival blended international stardom with local artistry, showcasing the State’s cultural richness while driving tourism, employment, and economic growth. With thousands of visitors thronging the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and cultural arenas across Shillong, the event once again proved that Meghalaya is setting new benchmarks for large-scale music and arts festivals in the country.
The celebrations began on Day 1 with a grand inauguration by Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who highlighted the government’s vision of making the Cherry Blossom Festival a complete cultural package. The evening unfolded into a dazzling showcase of global talent. Bollywood sensation Nora Fatehi ignited the crowd with her electrifying performance, followed by Irish rock legends The Script, whose anthemic set culminated in a massive “Hall of Fame” singalong. The night reached its crescendo with pop superstar Jason Derulo, who delivered explosive renditions of “Swalla” and “Savage Love,” uniting the stadium with synchronized LED wristbands in a breathtaking spectacle. Meanwhile, the Japan Arena at Ward’s Lake offered visitors a unique cultural exchange, with traditional kimono experiences and immersive Japanese artistry, underscoring Meghalaya’s commitment to blending global and local traditions.
Day 2 carried the momentum forward with a powerful mix of emotion and energy. Shillong’s own Meba Ofilia opened the evening with her soulful brilliance, followed by the thunderous precision of Japan’s Drum Tao and a dynamic set from DJ Kennedy. A deeply moving tribute to the late Zubeen Garg brought the stadium together in a heartfelt chorus of ‘Mayabini’, performed by Zublee Baruah, Prabin Borah, Priyanka Bharali, and Arupjyoti Baruah. The emotional homage celebrated Garg’s enduring legacy and his profound contributions to the region’s music.
The night then surged into high gear with international chart-toppers. Danish pop icons Aqua turned the venue into a euphoric dance party with nostalgic hits like “Barbie Girl,” while hip-hop superstar Tyga electrified the crowd with high-octane performances of “Swish,” “Dip,” and “Ayy Ladies.” The grand finale belonged to Diplo, the three-time Grammy-winning DJ and producer, who transformed the stadium into a pulsating dance floor with his signature blend of electronic and world beats. Supporting acts DJ Zethan and Arius kept the energy alive between sets, ensuring the night ended on a high.
Beyond the main stage, the festival grounds buzzed with creativity and community spirit. Cosplay showcases, immersive art installations, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant local crafts created a multi-sensory experience that celebrated Meghalaya’s cultural richness and natural charm. The festival’s lineup is also a testament to the CM Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), a model providing structure, exposure, and opportunity to nurture local artists. By celebrating both global icons and local voices in the same space, highlights the state’s unique creative economy and its potential.
The Shillong Cherry Blosso Festival has become a flagship event, consistently attracting global icons such as Akon, Clean Bandit, Boney M, Ne-Yo, and now Diplo, Tyga, Aqua, and Jason Derulo. By seamlessly blending international stardom with local talent, the festival not only entertains but also strengthens Meghalaya’s economy by boosting tourism, generating employment, and positioning the State as a premier destination for world-class cultural experiences.
As the final notes faded, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 cemented its legacy, not just as a music event, but as a landmark celebration of culture, unity, and the pioneering spirit of Meghalaya.
