Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival Returns with a Celebration of Music Culture and Natural Beauty

Published on November 29, 2025

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival returns with a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and natural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. This year, the festival not only showcases Shillong’s stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom but also immerses guests in the region’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic music scene. With high-energy performances from both international and local artists, the festival blends the beauty of nature with lively musical acts, traditional Khasi dance, and local cuisine. Set against the backdrop of soft pink and white blossoms, this festival is a true celebration, where nature, culture, and music come together in perfect harmony, making it the ultimate reason to visit Shillong this season.

Key Dates for Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025:

• Mega Music Concert: November 17-19
• Shillong Literary Festival: November 21-23
• Main Cherry Blossom Festival: November 23-26

The festival spans four days, offering a chance to experience Shillong’s perfect autumn weather, enhanced by the breathtaking sight of cherry trees in full bloom. Polo Ground, located near the picturesque Ward’s Lake, will serve as the heart of the event. A short walk from the famous Shillong Golf Course, also known as Golflink, Polo Ground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a sea of pink and white blossoms. Whether you’re attending for the music, the food, or the natural beauty, the festival provides the perfect backdrop for an incredible experience.

A Journey Through the Blossoms of Shillong

Shillong, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East,” is known for its rolling hills, serene lakes, and cool, crisp climate. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the town transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors as the delicate cherry blossoms create a surreal scene. The trees, with their soft pink and white petals, bloom in perfect harmony with the region’s natural beauty, making it one of the most visually stunning festivals in India. Visitors will be treated to panoramic views of the blossoms, which seem to blanket the landscape in a delicate veil of color.

The event is held at Polo Ground, Ward’s Lake, one of Shillong’s most beautiful spots. The stunning natural surroundings, combined with the blooming cherry trees, create a peaceful yet exhilarating environment for all festival-goers.

Festival Highlights

While the cherry blossoms are undoubtedly the main attraction, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival offers much more than just beautiful flowers. From exhilarating live music performances to thrilling adventure activities, here’s a taste of what you can expect:

1. A Culinary Adventure
   One of the biggest draws of the festival is the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine. Food lovers will find an abundance of stalls offering delicious Khasi dishes, local delicacies, and tempting international options. From hearty traditional meals to street food, there’s something for every taste. Be sure to try the local wines, which have become a festival favorite, adding a distinct flavor to the celebrations.
2. Musical Extravaganza
   Music takes center stage at this year’s festival. From November 17-19, the Mega Music Concert will bring together a blend of talented musicians, both Indian and international. With performances spanning a variety of genres, festival-goers can expect everything from contemporary pop to indie rock and traditional music. The festival has become known for its stellar musical lineup, and this year is no exception, with performances that will keep you dancing and singing along.
3. Cultural Immersion
   Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and heritage of Shillong. The festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local Khasi culture. Visitors can participate in traditional dance and music performances, interact with local artisans, and learn about Shillong’s fascinating history. The cultural experiences provide a deeper understanding of the region, making it a truly enriching experience.
4. Thrilling Activities
   For those seeking adventure, the festival offers plenty of exciting activities to enjoy. From zip-lining to Ferris wheels, the adventure zone has something for everyone. The kids, as well as adults, can enjoy a fun-filled day with these thrilling rides and games, making it a perfect family outing.
5. Flea Market & Craft Stalls
   The festival will feature a bustling flea market where visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, locally crafted goods, and traditional artworks. It’s a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind mementos that capture the spirit of Shillong.
6. International Food Contests
   In addition to the local cuisine, the festival will also host a Korean and Japanese food contest, offering visitors the chance to sample a variety of international dishes and witness some friendly competition among culinary enthusiasts.
7. Open Mic & Graffiti Art
   The creative spirit of the festival shines through the open mic stage, where local talent gets a chance to showcase their skills. Whether it’s music, poetry, or stand-up comedy, the open mic offers an opportunity for everyone to express themselves. The festival will also feature stunning graffiti art, transforming the venue into a canvas of vibrant colors.
8. Wine & Beer Contest
   The festival’s wine and beer contest will be a highlight for enthusiasts. Sample and vote for the best local wines and beers, adding a fun and interactive element to the event.

Musical Performances to Look Forward To

Music lovers will be in for a treat as the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival features a stellar lineup of performers. The festival attracts renowned music bands from around the world, offering an exciting blend of international and local acts. From indie pop to traditional Khasi melodies, the festival creates a platform for music lovers to come together and enjoy incredible performances.

Ticket Information

The festival offers two ticket options for visitors:

• General Admission (GA) Tickets: GA tickets grant access to all areas of the festival, including the music performances, food stalls, and adventure zones. These tickets are perfect for those looking to experience everything the festival has to offer.
• VIP Tickets: For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP tickets provide access to the VIP stand, complete with a dedicated food and beverage area, ensuring a more relaxed and premium experience.

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival returns with a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and natural beauty, showcasing Shillong’s stunning cherry blossoms alongside high-energy musical performances and rich local traditions. It’s the perfect blend of nature and culture, making this festival a must-visit event this season.

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is much more than just a celebration of nature—it’s a vibrant mix of music, culture, adventure, and local tradition. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a music enthusiast, this festival offers something for everyone. With its stunning views, lively atmosphere, and diverse attractions, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is truly a celebration that should not be missed. Book your tickets now and be part of this one-of-a-kind experience!