The Shillong Cherry Blossom Music & Arts Festival 2025 opened with a packed stadium, booming stages, and a clear message from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma: the festival is headed for the top.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium turned into a glowing hub of music and art as thousands poured in for the first day of the two-day event, now counted among India’s largest autumn festivals. The Chief Minister, joined by Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira and Commissioner & Secretary Vijay Kumar D, cut the ribbon to kick off the celebration set against Shillong’s famous cherry blossom backdrop.

Speaking to the crowd, Sangma called the festival “one of the biggest in the entire country” and pushed for an even bolder future. “With your help, we will make it the biggest and the best… that is the target,” he sa

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