The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 concluded this weekend with a spectacular showcase of international and local talent, cementing Meghalaya’s reputation in India’s concert economy. However, the grand finale was marred by a chorus of public outcry, as residents flagged severe disruptions, including loud music blaring past midnight and crippling traffic that they argue highlights the unsustainability of hosting such a large-scale event in the city’s congested heart. Organisers hailed the two-day festival at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as an unprecedented success, drawing thousands of visitors and driving tourism and employment.
The lineup featured global superstars like Jason Derulo, The Script, Diplo, Tyga, and Aqua, who delivered electrifying performances. A press release lauded the event for blending “international stardom with local artistry,” citing a moving tribute to the late Zubeen Garg and a powerful opening set by Shillong’s own Meba Ofilia as examples of the state’s cultural richness. But beyond the festival grounds, the experience was far from celebratory for many Shillong residents. On Saturday, the final day, loud music continued until approximately 12:30 am, prompting a wave of complains from households in Polo locality.
Residents reported that the sound system’s vibrations were strong enough to shake their homes, causing significant distress, particularly for families with young children and students preparing for upcoming examinations. The 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival has left behind a dual legacy of a dazzling spectacle for attendees and a source of deep frustration for those living in its shadow. The starkly different experiences have ignited a critical debate on whether the city’s ambition to be a global music hub can be balanced with the fundamental well-being of its residents.