Shillong, September 2: The Meghalaya government’s investment in festivals and events has yielded an impressive economic return of Rs. 133.43 crore last year. This was revealed today by Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh during the unveiling of Meghalaya’s Autumn Calendar 2025 aimed at elevating tourism as a sector.
“The state invested Rs. 23.50 crore in various events last year, including the Me-gong Festival, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, and Literary Festival, among others. The return on investment was a substantial Rs. 133.42 crore,” he told reporters.
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Lyngdoh informed that the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled to be held on November 14 and 15 this year, had generated significant economic stimulus in last year’s edition, with the state government investing Rs. 5 crore and yielding Rs. 59.98 crore in economic benefits. This year’s budget is tentatively set at Rs. 4 crore.
“This time around, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at JN Stadium. In order to give visitors a different feel altogether, there will be a walk-in facility and the entire stretch of road leading to Polo Ground will be pedestrianized throughout the two-day festival. Also, we will have various stalls and displays as one walks towards the stadium,” the minister highlighted.
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The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is set to feature two international acts on its first day. Jason Derulo and The Script will headline the event, alongside Indian performer Nora Fatehi. Nora Fatehi, known for her energetic performances including at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, will make her first Indian show at the festival.
Other festivals as per the calendar include the Meghalaya Kayak Festival from October 14–18, the 7th Ahor 4×4 Offroad Challenge from October 23–25, Shillong Literary Festival from November 20–22, Me-gong Festival from November 28–29, and Winter Tales from December 11–13. The government is promoting local talent through initiatives like the daily CMJMP programme, which has featured over 7,000 artists.
“Many local bands and musicians who previously performed outside the state are now showcasing their talent in Meghalaya and even internationally. Some artists will perform in Singapore next month,” he said. The government is also focusing on developing tourism infrastructure, including connecting villages through tourism circuits.
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The tourism policy document outlines plans to develop the sector in a holistic manner. Investments in 5-star properties at Umiam and Sohra are expected to attract high-end tourists and boost economic growth.
“Within the next three years, we should be able to see these major investments in the hospitality sector, specifically in hotels. Now we will have two more 5-star properties at Umiam and two more at Sohra. Then we have the rain museum coming up at Mawsynram, Mawmluh experiential cave, all of these will further elevate the experience of tourists visiting Meghalaya,” he said.
Sohra has more than 500 homestays and many families are benefiting from them.
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“I would like to clarify that when we have these festivals, a lot of people say we are poor, we cannot afford, but these are investments through tourists coming to Meghalaya in order to boost the economic growth of the state so that we can invest in those vital sectors where we are now lacking,” Lyngdoh added.
(Newmai News Network)