Shillong, May 9: Shillong is set to celebrate the 55th edition of Bob Dylan Day on May 23 and 24, marking what organisers describe as the world’s longest-running tribute to Nobel laureate Bob Dylan.
Organised by Mawjam Event Network in association with the Lou Majaw Foundation, the annual event traces its roots back to 1972 when legendary Shillong musician Lou Majaw first began celebrating Dylan’s birthday with a small gathering at his home. Over the decades, the tribute evolved into a public cultural tradition that has become closely tied to Shillong’s identity as India’s “Rock Capital.”
This year’s milestone celebration will feature two days of music performances across Shillong.
The programme will begin on May 23 with an intimate tribute concert at The Evening Club featuring Lou Majaw and The Electric Garden. On May 24, a free open-street performance will be held at Khyndailad in Police Bazar, followed by an evening session at Cafe Shillong in Laitumkhrah featuring performances by Reuben Z Lyngdoh, Christopher Dylan Majaw, and Phrangsngi Wahlang alongside Lou Majaw.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Edwigh Eddie Majaw, founder of Mawjam Event Network, said the celebration reflects Shillong’s enduring connection with music and artistic expression.
“55 years is not just a number — it’s Shillong’s love letter to music. Lou started this with a guitar and a belief that art changes people. This year, we celebrate 55 years across two days, two venues, and one legacy,” he said.
Lou Majaw described Dylan’s music as a source of inspiration that shaped generations of musicians in Meghalaya.
“Bob Dylan taught us that a song can be a newspaper, a prayer, and a protest. For 55 years, we’ve sung his songs not to imitate, but to remember why we sing at all,” he said.
Organisers said the annual celebration has drawn attention from international media and Dylan enthusiasts over the years, helping place Shillong on the global music map while also boosting cultural tourism in Meghalaya.
Now 79, Lou Majaw continues to lead the tradition despite rising logistical and organisational costs. The event remains free and open to the public, maintaining its long-standing community-driven spirit without tickets or VIP access.
The main public tribute on May 24 will take place opposite Choudhury Pharmacy in Police Bazar from 4 pm to 6 pm with live music, poetry, and remembrance sessions dedicated to Dylan’s legacy.
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