Attended by over 55,000 visitors from across India and beyond, the two-day festival at Bolbokgre–Watregre grounds near Tura showcased Meghalaya as a modern-day hub for culture, adventure, and heritage tourism
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As the sun set over the verdant Garo Hills, the 2025 Me’gong Festival drew to a close, leaving behind more than just the echoes of music. Attended by over 55,000 visitors from across India and beyond, the two-day festival at Bolbokgre–Watregre grounds near Tura showcased Meghalaya as a modern-day hub for culture, adventure, and heritage tourism.
For attendees, Me’gong was more than a festival,it was an immersive journey into Garo heritage, where music, food, craft, and community spirit merged into an unforgettable celebration.
A Cultural Fusion: From Global Pop to Tribal Rhythms
This year’s edition featured a vibrant lineup blending international stars, national headliners, and local talent. Named after the Me’gong flower native to the Garo Hills, the festival celebrated the connection between the region’s biodiversity and its rich cultural heritage.
On the final day, global acts such as British pop band Blue, Dutch electronic duo Yellow Claw, singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, and Bollywood star Kanika Kapoor took the Aski Stage by storm, delivering everything from retro pop anthems to EDM-driven performances. Meanwhile, local tribal bands and contemporary Garo artists shone on the Kingfisher Stage and other platforms, sharing traditional rhythms and modern interpretations with an enthusiastic audience.
Beyond Music: Food, Crafts, and Community
Me’gong went beyond music, offering a full cultural experience curated by Meghalaya Tourism. The Great Garo Hills Cook Off highlighted indigenous ingredients and traditional recipes, while craft and handloom stalls allowed visitors to take home a piece of the region. Festival zones also featured traditional games, sports, VR experiences, a Brew Village, a cosplay contest, and the Miss & Mr Me’gong pageant, combining heritage with youthful energy.
For local musicians, particularly participants in the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP), Me’gong offered a career-defining platform, allowing emerging artists to perform alongside international stars. Many described the experience as transformational.
Garo Hills Through the Traveller’s Lens
For travellers seeking culture alongside natural beauty, the 2025 Me’gong Festival positioned Garo Hills as a must-visit destination. From tribal dance and music to local cuisine and craft markets, the festival offered immersive encounters that few events in India can match. Visitors had the chance to meet artisans, taste regional dishes, and engage with local communities in a festive, welcoming environment.
Designed by the state tourism body, Me’gong signals Meghalaya’s ambition to showcase its hills as a living cultural canvas,not just a backdrop for waterfalls and forests.
Implications for Meghalaya’s Tourism Future
The success of Me’gong 2025 underscores a shift in Meghalaya’s tourism strategy. By blending music, culture, tradition, and modern entertainment, the state is carving a niche beyond conventional nature tourism. For travellers, writers, and cultural explorers, Garo Hills now offers a vibrant, multi-dimensional experience of India’s northeast. For locals, festivals like Me’gong are celebrations of identity, heritage, and the promise of the future.