The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, has announced its Autumn Calendar 2025, highlighting a series of cultural, sporting, and literary events scheduled across the state in the coming months.
The calendar highlights the state’s focus on integrating culture and tourism with economic development, while providing platforms for both international and local artists.
Launching the calendar, Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, said, “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.”
The scale and diversity of these festivals reflect Meghalaya’s confidence in positioning itself as a cultural powerhouse while ensuring that our youth and communities benefit directly from these initiatives.
CM Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project: Daily Music Across the State
A major component of the calendar is the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP), which will feature daily music performances throughout the state. The initiative has, to date, seen over 13,000 performances by more than 7,750 artists and has supported employment for around 175 individuals in coordination and production roles.
Some of these local performers will also participate in upcoming international events such as the North-East India Festival in Singapore and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Upcoming Events on the Autumn Calendar
Megha Kayak Festival
October 14–18 | Umtham Village, Ri-Bhoi
This whitewater kayaking event returns with participants expected from various countries. Held in Ri-Bhoi’s Whitewater Village, the festival includes multiple competitive races and recreational outdoor activities. In 2024, it featured prize money totalling USD 20,000.
Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge
October 23–25
Now in its seventh edition, the event brings together off-road motorsport enthusiasts from across India. It continues to contribute to the region’s evolving adventure sports scene.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
November 14–15 | JN Stadium Polo, Shillong
This year, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival will take place at the JN Stadium in Shillong. Scheduled performers include Jason Derulo, The Script, and Nora Fatehi, with additional artists to be announced. In 2024, the festival was attended by large audiences and reportedly generated a return of ₹60 crore from a government spend of ₹5 crore.
Shillong Literary Festival
November 20–22
The literary festival enters its fifth edition, with a programme featuring authors, poets, and public figures from India and abroad. In 2024, speakers included Vikram Seth and Shobhaa De, attracting a reported 20,000 attendees.
Me·gong Festival
November 28–29 | Songsak, East Garo Hills
Focusing on regional culture, cuisine, craft, and music, this event showcases both local and outside influences. Last year’s festival included performances by international and community-based musicians.
Winter Tales Festival
December 11–13 | Ward’s Lake
The final event on the calendar, Winter Tales will include exhibitions of arts, crafts, storytelling, and music in a lakefront setting. In 2024, it featured performances by local acts and community artists, along with literature and photography showcases.
According to government estimates, the 2024 cultural season involved a total spend of ₹23.50 crore and yielded returns of ₹133.42 crore. The Department of Tourism views the 2025 calendar as part of an ongoing strategy to connect tourism with local economic activity, cultural preservation, and artist development.
The full Autumn Calendar is available through the Meghalaya Tourism Department’s official website and partner platforms.
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