Cherry Blossom Music Festival and exuberance

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, blended international stardom with local artistry, showcasing the State’s cultural richness while driving tourism, employment, and economic growth.

- RAYMOND KHARMUJAI

The event once again proved that Meghalaya is setting new benchmarks for large-scale music and arts festivals in the country.

“Thave attended the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival four times now. This festival fills my heart with joy, excitement, and memorable moments that I cherish every year, making itmy most favourite celebration,” said Marcelo Rebello, a music aficionado, who flew all the way from Goa with his wife Natalie. “For sure we are returning for next year's Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival,” Marcello’s wife Natalie said.

The festival kicked off on 15 November with explosive double bill as Jason Derulo and The Script took over the stage with back-to-back powerhouse performances, joined by Bollywood sensation Nora Fatehi adding her signature flair and energy tothe audience.

Canadian dancer-actress Nora Fatehi commanded the arena by performing songs from her signature flair ‘World of Nora’, including her newly released pop song “What doI know (Just a girl) dazzling the crowd with her dynamic stage presence and dance moves.

The atmosphere hit a fever pitch as Irish rock band The Script exploded onto the stage, launching their set with the powerful, crowd-uniting anthem “Superheroes” before unleashing apowerful wave of their greatest hits.

The crowd was electrified by songs like “The Man Who Can't Be Moved” and “6 Degrees of Separation”, alongside the dynamic “Both Ways” and the poignant “If You Can See Me Now’.