The much-awaited Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and culture. This year’s edition will feature a special tribute to Zubeen Garg. Although, one of Assam’s most beloved musicians, alongside a glittering line-up of global icons.
Set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Polo Grounds in Shillong.Moreover, the two-day event promises to bring together international and Indian talent in one of the most scenic venues in the Northeast.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as artists such as Jason Derulo, Nora Fatehi, The Script, Tyga, and Aqua are confirmed as headline acts. The festival will not only celebrate global music but also pay homage to regional legends who have shaped the cultural fabric of the Northeast.
Honouring Zubeen Garg’s Legacy
The Zubeen Garg tribute is expected to be one of the festival’s most emotional and powerful moments. The singer, who has inspired generations with his soulful music and vibrant personality, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Assamese and Northeastern audiences.
Festival organizers have revealed that the tribute will include live performances of his most iconic songs, visual displays of his journey, and collaborations featuring both regional and national artists.
Zubeen’s music transcends borders and genres — from Bihu-inspired folk melodies to Bollywood hits. The tribute aims to celebrate his multifaceted career and his enduring influence on India’s musical landscape.
Fans are already calling it a “historic moment” for Northeastern music, as Zubeen Garg’s contribution to Assamese and Indian culture takes center stage before a global audience.
A Global Line-Up Like Never Before
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival has always been known for blending local charm with international glamour, and this year’s line-up takes that vision even further.
Jason Derulo, the American pop sensation behind hits like “Savage Love” and “Wiggle”, will headline one of the festival nights. Nora Fatehi, Bollywood’s dancing diva and international performer, will bring her signature energy to the stage.
Joining them will be The Script, the Irish rock band known for “Hall of Fame” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, marking their first-ever performance in Northeast India.
Rapper Tyga and Eurodance legends Aqua, famous for the global hit “Barbie Girl”, round out the star-studded line-up.
Organizers have promised a seamless mix of genres pop, rock, EDM, and folk ensuring something for every music lover.
Shillong: The Music Capital of the Northeast
Often hailed as the “Rock Capital of India,” Shillong has a deep-rooted love for music. Its scenic hills, vibrant youth culture. And thriving indie scene make it the perfect host for one of Asia’s most celebrated cultural festivals.
The Cherry Blossom Festival, organized annually during the blooming season, celebrates not only the beauty of nature but also the region’s creative spirit. The event attracts thousands of visitors from across India and abroad.
Beyond the mainstage performances, the festival will also feature local food stalls, craft exhibitions, and eco-friendly installations showcasing the Northeast’s cultural and ecological diversity.
For many, the festival is more than a concert it’s a celebration of identity, unity, and artistic expression.
Anticipation Builds Across the Northeast
Excitement is soaring across Assam, Meghalaya, and neighboring states as fans prepare to travel to Shillong for the two-day extravaganza.
Tourism departments are expecting record footfall this year, with special packages and transport services being arranged to facilitate visitors. Hotels in and around Shillong are already reporting high occupancy rates.
Music enthusiasts say the Zubeen Garg tribute adds a deeply emotional element to the global spectacle. Many fans view it as a fitting recognition of an artist who has bridged cultures and languages through his music.
Social media is abuzz with posts celebrating the announcement, with hashtags like #CherryBlossomFestival2025, #ZubeenGargTribute, and #MusicInShillong trending across platforms.
A Cultural Celebration Beyond Borders
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is more than just an entertainment event. Moreover, it’s a statement of the Northeast’s growing influence in global music and culture.
By featuring international artists alongside a tribute to one of its own, the festival beautifully balances global appeal with local pride.
The tribute to Zubeen Garg is expected to be a defining moment, uniting audiences across generations and geographies. It will serve as a reminder that music — much like the cherry blossoms themselves has the power to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and celebrate life.
