Shillong, Sep 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 on Tuesday by the Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh during the unveiling of the 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.
Lyngdoh informed that the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, which is scheduled to be held on November 14 and 15, this year, had generated significant economic stimulus last year, with the state government investing Rs 5 crore and yielding Rs 59.98 crore in economic benefits.
According to him, this year’s budget is tentatively set at Rs 4 crore.
“This time around, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at Shillong at the JN Stadium. In order to give visitors to the festival a different feel altogether where there will be a walk in facility and the entire stretch of the 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.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is set to feature two international acts on its first day.
Lyngdoh announced that 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, he said.
The other festivals as per the calendar include Meghalaya Kayak Festival from October 14-18, the 7th Ahor 4×4 Off-road 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.
Further, the minister highlighted the government’s efforts to promote 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.
Lyngdoh also informed that the government is focusing on developing tourism infrastructure, including connecting villages through tourism circuits.
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 that these major investments in the hospitality sector specifically in hotels. Now we will have two more 5Star 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.
According to him, Sohra has more than 500 homestays and many families are benefiting from them.
“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 investment 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 further.
Also Read: Meghalaya Govt launches ₹6.6 Cr scholarship to support 165 students in hospitality studies
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