Highlights
In 2024 too, the quiet Bhoirymbong village in Meghalaya lured in thousands of music enthusiasts for a couple of nights of great music and stunning scenery. People flocked to the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival from across the country.
Named after the magical cherry blossoms that dot the streets in the capital city of Shillong as the cold starts to seep in, the musical extravaganza opened at the RBDSA Sports Complex and featured an exciting line-up of international and local celebrities.
Presenting Meghalaya, the ‘abode of clouds’ and ‘capital of Music’
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the musical paradise in the presence of Union Minister of DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia and tourism minister of Meghalaya Paul Lyngdoh. Scindia took to X to share a glimpse of the exciting first-day events.
The Union Minister described Meghalaya as the “abode of clouds” and the “capital of Music”. “Tremendous amount of energy, tremendous amount of tourism potential,” he highlighted, noting that Meghalaya is bringing magic for India and the rest of the continent, too.
Happening from November 15-16, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival ensured a line-up of some of the most promising international and regional sensations, such as Akon, Clean Bandit, Boney M, The Great Society, Queen Sensation, Kanika Kapoor and Rito Riba.
People came to the festival from different corners of the country. The Print highlighted the story of a Ashish Chhabaria from Delhi. He said that he has long been hearing about Cherry Blossom and Meghalaya, and that it’s his first time exploring the place this year.
Local artists such as band Khasi Bloodz, SK Korn and artists from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) also gave the audience a glimpse of their talents, underscoring the Cherry Blossom Festival’s commitment to promoting regional talents.
Top international sensations at Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
1. Akon
Akon is a Senegalese-US singer, rapper and record producer. He is an influential figure in the global music industry, gaining prominence in 2004 after the release of his single ‘Locked Up’. He boasts a massive fan base on social media.
2. Clean Bandit
This English electronic music group formed in Cambridge back in 2008. They are producers of dance music and music video producers, directors, editors, drone pilots and instrumentalists. Clean Bandit even has a Grammy for their global hit ‘Rather Be’.
3. Boney M.
Boney M. secured immense global popularity during the disco era of the second half of the 1970s. They are a R&B, reggae, funk and disco music group. German record producer Frank Farian created the band in 1974.
4. Kanika Kapoor
Born and raised in Uttar Pradesh, Kanika Kapoor is a prominent Indian singer and recipient of numerous accolades. Her first song ‘Jugni Ji’ in 2012 became a commercial success. Her other prominent projects include, ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’, ‘Tukur Tukur’ and ‘Beat Pe Booty’.
5. Rito Riba
Rito Riba is a gifted singer from Northeast India. His passion for singing started at an early age, rising to fame after a successful journey in a top-rated singing competition, Indian Idol. He has an inspirational journey that is entirely self-made.
Designated Japanese arena at Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
For the first time, the musical cherry blossom paradise also had a designated Japanese arena. It came as a result of the visit of the Japanese ambassador to Meghalaya as he noticed the similarities both places share, including the blooming cherry.
The arena offered a unique fusion of art, anime and entertainment, besides anime screenings to offer fans an opportunity to enjoy popular Japanese animation on the big screen. Get a sneak peek into the vibrant celebration in this Instagram post.
Special highlights at Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of not only nature but also music and culture. The event offers a range of attractions and activities for people of all ages and preferences. For some of the highlights, keep scrolling.
– Experience an unforgettable celebration of culture and music, enjoying genres like rock, pop, folk, jazz, blues and more.
– Beauty pageants flaunting the traditional and modern attire of Northeastern states. But the night illumination of cherry blossom trees is the true cherry on the cake.
– Storytelling and literary sessions featuring prominent authors and poets from Meghalaya and other parts of the country.
– Food and beverage stalls offering local delicacies, beer and, Japanese and Korean cuisine. There are adventure sports and games like rock climbing and archery too.
Cultural and music festivals of Northeast India
Northeastern states of India usually host their culture and music festivals during the colder months. Each attraction has an ethnic touch and influence. Some festivals primarily focus on aspects of culture like traditional music, dresses and art forms among others.
1. Majuli Music Festival
The tourism sector of Majuli has added another feather to its hat through the Majuli Music Festival. Launched in 2019, the celebration is held for three days and is a not-for-profit festival organised on the serene and laid-back banks of the Brahmaputra River.
2. Ziro Music Festival
Often described as one of the most happening music festivals in the country, the Ziro Music Festival is an outdoor music celebration featuring regional and international artists. The more the expectations the larger the number of genres and artists.
3. Shirui Lily Festival
This extravaganza celebrates the blooming of the Shirui Lily in Manipur. It is a blend of traditions and modern elements. There are stunning folk dances, musical performances and local food delicacies of huge variety.
4. Karbi Youth Festival
Karbi Youth Festival is one of the oldest ethnic youth festivals celebrated in India. This five-day celebration is organised in Taralangso, seeking to uphold and preserve the culture of Karbi people for future generations to see.
5. Hornbill Festival
This annual cultural celebration of Nagaland brings together all 16 tribes and subtribes across the state. The Hornbill Festival is hosted in the first 10 days of December, offering a glimpse of Naga culture in full glory and the best of everything else a festival can offer.
