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Every November, in the quiet hills of Meghalaya, lies one of the best experiences you will have, the Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong. Northeast India’s premier cultural and musical event, the festival makes the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, a dreamy pink fairytale, mostly due to the blooming cherry blossom trees. It has become one of the best cultural events in all of India, bringing in thousands of music fans, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers from around the world. The festival is back in 2025, bigger and better than before, welcoming international superstars to perform at the event.
Overview Of The Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong
Photo: Handerson Chulet / Shutterstock
The Cherry Blossom Festival of Shillong is an extraordinary celebration of nature that was created in 2016 to put Meghalaya on the map as a cultural and tourist destination, while promoting the beauty of the Cherry Blossom. While cherry blossoms bloom in spring in countries such as Japan and Korea, Shillong is unique in that they bloom during autumn, with the peak period occurring in November, leading to its rare classification in India. Over the years, the festival has grown in scale and recognition, being an international platform for artists and performers from Northeast India and beyond. The festival has also expanded internationally, with an international festival planned in Thailand in 2024.
Dates And Venue
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The Cherry Blossom Festival, for 2025 is set to commence on 14th November! Only the Day 1 lineup is available right now, but there are many more dates and events that are bound to be announced over the next few months. The venue is situated at the Polo Grounds in Shillong. The Polo Grounds is centrally located and has always been a location for large-scale cultural programming and sporting events in Shillong. The open-air venue holds many thousands of festival-goers with an impressive backdrop of the beautiful hills, tablelands, and blossoms of Shillong.
Ticket Prices And Categories
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The Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 has lots of tickets for attendees to choose from. They have different categories and prices, Phase 1 and Phase 2, with Phase 1 tickets usually starting at lower prices. Here is the list of categories and pricing:
VIP+: ₹17,000 (Phase 1), ₹18,000 (Phase 2) – VIP access, plus Fanpit B access, giving you the most exclusive abilities to get right up to the action.
VIP: ₹10,500 (Phase 1), ₹11,000 (Phase 2) – VIP access to the elevated VIP Zone, with premium food & drinks, exclusive restrooms, and comfortable seating.
Fanpit: ₹8,500 (Phase 1), ₹9,000 (Phase 2) – the closest category to the Stage – to participate in one of the most exciting concerts.
General Admission (GA): ₹3,500 (Phase 1), ₹4,000 (Phase 2) – access to the stages and festival provided in all areas. For many people looking to enjoy the festival experience without overspending, General Admission is a great choice.
Gallery (East, West, North): ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 – Watching from different elevations and viewing angles of the stage. Considering one of the gallery seats would give you a much more leisurely experience.
Festival Attractions Beyond Music
Photo: Handerson Chulet / Shutterstock
Aside from exciting concerts, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong is a cultural festival.
Cherry Blossom Walks & Trails: The festival site has unique pathways with cherry blossom trees on them. When the sun goes down, the trees are lit with various lights which is wonderful for tranquil walks, romantic walks, and professional photo shoots.
Handicraft & Art Stalls: Local artisans set up stalls with bamboo items, hand-woven textiles, pottery and authentic Khasi jewellery. The stalls are an excellent flyway to buy authentic local gifts while supporting local artisans in Meghalaya.
Culinary Experiences: Food courts serve foods from every background. From local Khasi dishes like jadoh (rice with meat), dohneiiong (pork curry with sesame) and pukhlein (a fried rice bread), to pan Indian cuisine, and international food. An ideal opportunity to enjoy local delicacies with international food that you may find familiar.
Cherry Blossom Brews & Tastings: One of the most original experiences for visitors to the festival is the numerous cherry blossom-inspired beverages that they can try. A combination of local wines, craft beers, and themed mocktails inspired by the season create the amazing opportunity to enjoy a variety of orchard beverages.
Fashion Shows & Cosplay: New and exciting runway events encourage local designers to share their vast array of designs on the runway by creatively penetrating traditional Khasi clothing with 21st-century fashion style.
Cultural Programs: The festival faithfully heralds the heritage of Meghalaya with a number of performances, including cultural folk dances, storytelling sessions, and live theater. Each of these wonderful performances provides a rich cultural experience and a beautiful way to learn a little more about the traditions of the land.
Adventure Activities: For the adventurous at heart, the festival usually offers activities including ziplining, obstacle courses, and gaming zones. The adrenaline-pumping experiences counterbalance the slower-paced cultural and artistic experiences.
Wellness Corners: If relaxation is more your speed, the festival has dedicated space for yoga, meditation, and living workshops with awareness sessions on eco-tourism regarding Meghalaya’s biodiversity and the fragile environment.
How To Reach
Photo: TheSomdeep / Wikimedia Commons
Despite being surrounded by severe hills and mountains, Shillong and its surroundings can be reached by several methods of travel.
By Air: The nearest airport to Shillong is the Shillong Airport (Umroi), about 30 km from the center of the city. But flights are very limited. More convenient is the location of Guwahati, with its Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, about 120 km away. With direct flights from major cities in India, getting to Shillong is convenient. You can also get from Guwahati to Shillong in about 3 hours of road travel.
By Road: Shillong is reached by the well-connected National Highway 6. Shared taxis, private cabs, and buses are all available. The drive through rolling hills and lush landscapes is also an experience.
By Rail: There is no direct rail station for access to Shillong. The nearest is at Guwahati Railway Station, where you can take a bus or a cab to reach Shillong.
Where To Stay
Photo: Kanad Sanyal / Wikimedia Commons
Accommodation for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival fills up fast, so book early. For luxury stays, Ri Kynjai offers lake views, a spa, and fine dining, with rates from ₹10,000–₹15,000 per night. Heritage Club features heritage-style rooms at ₹7,000–₹12,000. Mid-range options include Hotel Polo Towers (₹4,500–₹6,500) and Café Shillong B&B (₹3,500–₹5,000). Budget travelers can find guesthouses and homestays in Laitumkhrah and Police Bazaar for ₹1,500–₹2,500, with dormitories at ₹700–₹1,200 per bed.
Where To Eat
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Popular spots like Trattoria in Police Bazaar serve traditional Khasi dishes, while jadoh stalls offer meals for as low as ₹100. Mid-range cafes such as Cafe Shillong and Dylan’s serve Indian and continental food for ₹400–₹700. Street food like momos and pork skewers is available in Laitumkhrah and Police Bazaar for ₹50–₹150. Upscale dining at Ri Kynjai and Hotel Polo Towers starts around ₹1,000. Festival food courts feature fusion snacks and cherry blossom drinks.
Important Tips For Travellers
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Stay prepared with essential travel tips to make your trip smooth, safe, and enjoyable while exploring new places during the festival or beyond.
- Make sure to book your tickets, accommodation and transport as early as you can because Shillong gets very busy at festival time.
- Make sure to have a valid government-issued ID on you at all times to ease entry and verification.
- Bring along light woolens, scarves and reasonable footwear as the evenings can get cold and you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Try to arrive at the venue early to get through long queues and heavy rush hour traffic around the Polo Grounds.
- Use shared taxis or local cabs to relieve yourself from the hassle of getting parking close to the venue.
- Prepare offline maps and make sure the important references or information is readily available, as the internet can be inconsistent.
- Carry cash apart from your debit or credit cards, as smaller stalls may not accommodate online payments.
The Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong is not just about flowers; it’s a lively representation of Meghalaya’s culture, music, food, and hospitality. The festival, with its cherry blossoms blooming against Shillong’s rolling hills, is an incredible environment where nature and art meet. If you are interested in cherry blossoms in the heart of India, plan your trip with TripXL to experience the magic of the festival, from the colour, sound, and amazing atmosphere.
Cover Photo: framesbytanmay / Unsplash
