Meghalaya lines up calendar of festivals

Buoyed by the high return on investments in 2024, the Meghalaya Government has launched its festival-studded Autumn Calendar 2025.

The State’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, said the calendar captures the spirit of Meghalaya as a global hub for culture, music, and tourism through big-ticket performances, international sporting events, and literary dialogues.

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“These festivals must not be seen as expenses but as investments that attract visitors, empower local talents, boost the local economy, and create resources to support other essential sectors,” he said after the launch on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) evening.

Countering critics who accused the National People’s Party-led government of wasting public money on festivals and concerts, Mr. Lyngdoh said Meghalaya generated a return of ₹133.42 crore on an overall expenditure of ₹23.5 crore on festivals in 2024.

“The high return on investment underlines the transformative impact of culture and tourism on the State’s economy,” he said.

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“The scale and diversity of these festivals position Meghalaya as a cultural powerhouse while ensuring that local youth and communities benefit directly from these initiatives,” he said.

Mr. Lyngdoh said the highlight of 2025 will be the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, which will host daily music sessions across the State throughout the season.

“The programme has already created a buzz. Over 7,750 artists have performed in more than 13,000 shows, generating 175 salaried jobs for crew and coordinators. This year, the project will provide the cultural rhythm to Meghalaya’s Autumn Calendar, ensuring that local talent remains at the forefront alongside global stars,” a government statement said.

Local artists will participate in the North-East India Festival – Singapore later in September. Another group of artists will travel to Osaka, Japan, for the World Expo.

The 2025 edition of Megha Kayak Festival, to be held in the Ri-Bhoi district from October 14-18, is expected to host top kayakers from around the globe. This festival in 2024 featured three high-octane races with prize money of $20,000, cementing Meghalaya’s reputation as a global kayaking destination.

The seventh edition of Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge (October 23-25), one of the northeast’s toughest and most-followed motorsport events, promises tougher tracks and thrilling action for off-roaders and fans. Last year, the event drew participants and enthusiasts from across India.

The other events on the calendar are the Cherry Blossom Festival, Shillong Literary Festival (November 20-22), Me·gong Festival (November 28–29), and Winter Tales Festival (December 11–13).