NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 05: Akon visits the SiriusXM studios on November 05, 2024 in New York City. Michael Locisano/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael Locisano/Getty Images North America/AFP via Getty Images) | Photo Credit: Michael Locisano

It is that time of the year when the Khasi hills dress up in pink blossoms of cherry blossom trees. When in full bloom, they meet Shillong at the crossroads of autumn and winter, inspiring a league of renowned international artists to sing at the annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival.

Organized by Meghalaya Tourism and managed by events company Rocksky EMG, this year the festival is based on the theme of the Year of Legends and will feature almost all of the iconic R&B, reggae, funk and disco music groups of the 70s including Boney M and hip-hop. 100 artists will be welcomed. The star of the early noughties, Akon, on his stage.

Bobby Farrell with Boney M, Liz Mitchell, Mizzy Williams and Marcia Barrett in Red Square, Moscow, during their tour of the USSR in December 1978. (Photo courtesy: Sovfoto/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) | Photo Credit: SVF2

The festival takes the scent of cherry blossoms beyond music, extending it to the cultural ties between India and Japan. Announcing Japan as their partner country, the festival organizers shared that the collaboration was inspired by the striking similarity of the cherry blossoms in Meghalaya and Japan. This was noted by the Japanese Ambassador during his visit to Meghalaya in 2023.

Jason Manners of Rocksky EMG says, “This unique collaboration celebrates the shared beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan and Meghalaya, with a dedicated Japanese stall providing insights into Japanese culture and heritage. The festival will include Boney M’s Farewell Tour, providing a rare opportunity to see this iconic band live.” Additionally, the festival showcases local talent from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, a showcase of international and regional music. Makes a mixture.

Image of young couple looking at cherry blossom flowers from low angle at noon time taken in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. , Photo Courtesy: Bambam Kumar Jha

Held at the RBDSA Sports Complex in Shillong on November 15 and 16, the festival will see performances by Akon, Jasleen Royal, Boney M, Lucas, Queen Sensation, The Great Society, Rito Riba and Jessie Lyngdoh on the first day. On day two, bands and artistes Clean Bandit, Kanika Kapoor, Rehab, Khasi Bloodz, SK Korn, Dewdrops, Rebel and ArtSourced will take the stage. “We also have performances from magician John, jazz singer Meblajid Kirman, Khasi folk band Na U Banai,” says Jason.

The festival will host a Japan zone, featuring performances from Japanese artists Zombie-Chang, Amiwana, DYGL, Nonok, Newspeak, Lillies and Remains. You can also expect sumo performances from J Hind, a band formed by JETRO, a Japanese government-related organization, and the Hirakuza Sumo Team. There will be anime screenings as well as fashion contests and cosplay contests. Jason shares, “Additionally, we will have activities such as origami, calligraphy, Japanese tea ceremony and visitors can also try Japanese dishes and brands at the stalls.”

During a press conference held last year, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had said that more than 50,000 people had participated in the festival. “The official Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival page mentions that 60 percent of the tickets for the upcoming festival in 2024 have been sold so far,” Jason said.

A fragrant love letter to cultural ties and tourist sojourns, the festival will feature an additional stage, The Dome, which aims to serenade visitors to the earthy tunes of local artists like Ashley, Abstract, Varun Vohra and Warrier.

For billeting, attendees can book hotels, resorts and guest houses around the venue. Additionally, Rockski Festival is also offering camping sites such as Camp Zen located at Mebada Farms which is 10 minutes away from the venue, Nomad Campsite at the venue and Camp Naskwiya which is located at Naskwiya Resort which is 10 minutes away from the venue Is located at. The accommodation charges will be borne by the attendees. As for tickets for the festival, starting at ₹2,399, log on to in.bookmyshow.com or RockskiTickets.com.