September 4, 2025

The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, just dropped a sparkling surprise — the Autumn Calendar 2025! This year’s lineup is a dazzling mix of world-class festivals, electrifying music, international sports, and colorful cultural shows that promise to make Meghalaya a global magnet for travelers and art lovers. Paul Lyngdoh, the Tourism Minister, hit the high note at the launch: “These festivals should not be seen as expenses but as investments that attract visitors, empower our local talents, boost the local economy, and create resources to support other essential sectors.” His words show how these festivals are more than just fun—they are the heartbeats of Meghalaya’s growing economy and culture. The showstopper of 2025 is the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP). Imagine daily music sessions all across the state! So far, over 7,750 artists have performed in 13,000+ shows, and the project has created 175 salaried jobs for crew and coordinators alone. This year, CM-MGMP will lead the cultural symphony of the Autumn Calendar, keeping local stars shining bright alongside international celebrities. Speaking of global, local artists from CM-MGMP are packing their bags for the North-East India Festival in Singapore and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. Talk about taking Meghalaya’s music to the world stage! Adventure lovers have plenty to cheer about too. Ri-Bhoi and the Whitewater Village are gearing up to welcome kayakers from across the world. With breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling whitewater rides, it’s a paradise for thrill-seekers. For the motorsport fans, the seventh edition of one of Northeast India’s toughest off-road events promises even more heart-pounding action. Last year, this motorsport fiesta pulled participants from all over India, weaving itself into Meghalaya’s colorful cultural fabric. Big news for music buffs: The famous Cherry Blossom Festival is moving to Shillong’s JN Stadium, right in the city's vibrant core. Past stars like Akon, Boney M, and Clean Bandit rocked huge crowds here. This year, international icons like Jason Derulo, The Script, and Nora Fatehi will light up the stage. The government invested Rs 5 crore last year and saw a massive Rs 60 crore in returns—proof that this festival is pure gold for tourism. Book lovers, rejoice! The fifth Shillong Literary Festival is back with a fresh lineup of renowned authors, poets, and thinkers, celebrating Meghalaya’s rich culture, food, crafts, and music—a perfect blend of local charm and global vibes. The festival season wraps up with Winter Tales at Nan Polok (Ward’s Lake). This lovely event showcases indigenous arts, crafts, music, food, and brews. Last year’s magic included performances by Grassroots, Blue Temptation, Maya Lyngdoh, and Lil Mama, plus storytelling, a haiku jam, and the moving photo-travelogue "Through My Father’s Eyes." These festivals aren’t just parties; they’re smart investments. In 2024, the government spent Rs 23.50 crore and earned a whopping Rs 133.42 crore back. The message is clear: culture and tourism are fueling Meghalaya’s rise as a star on the world map! So, pack your bags, Meghalaya’s Autumn 2025 is ready to dazzle with music, adventure, and unforgettable fun!

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Tags: Meghalaya autumn calendar 2025, Cm-mgmp, Festivals in meghalaya, North-east india festival, Cherry blossom festival, Motorsport meghalaya,