The Me’gong Festival 2025 wrapped up in grand style in the Garo Hills, attracting more than 55,000 visitors over two days and reaffirming Meghalaya’s ascent as one of India’s most dynamic cultural and music destinations. With a line-up that brought together global headliners, celebrated Indian performers, and emerging regional talent, the festival delivered one of Northeast India’s most memorable showcases of music, culture, and community spirit.
Day 2 delivered an electrifying finale as British pop group Blue, global EDM favourites Yellow Claw, singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, and Bollywood star Kanika Kapoor took over the Aski Stage to roaring crowds.
Antony Costa of Blue summed up the energy, stating, “Garo Hills’ Megong Festival is amazing! The crowd was on fire.“
Vocalist Simon Webbe, joined by Antony Costa, Lee Ryan and Duncan James, added, “Great-Great turnout; thank you everybody; one love to you all! Garo Hills is amazing: a paradise; so good; thank you.”
Kanika Kapoor opened the evening with a string of Bollywood hits including Chittiyaan Kalaiyan, Baby Doll, Jawaani Le Doobi, Desi Girl, It’s the Time to Disco, and London Thumakda. Performing in Meghalaya for the second time, she described the audience as one of the best she has ever experienced.
Prateek Kuhad’s soulful performances of Saansein, Cold Mess and other fan favourites drew thousands into a serene musical interlude before Blue took over with nostalgic chart-toppers such as One Love, All Rise, Guilty, and One Last Time—all sung in unison by the massive crowd.
Yellow Claw closed the night with a high-voltage EDM showcase that transformed the Bolbokgre-Watregre Grounds into a pulsating sea of lights and energy.
Day 2 also witnessed a vibrant line-up on the Kingfisher Stage, featuring local favourites Hoi Hoi Makbil, G-Hills Finest, Crack Gang, Rough Road and Nokpante, drawing equally enthusiastic crowds.
Power-Packed Opening Day
The festival opened with global icons Richard Marx, Neeti Mohan, Julian Marley and Nucleya. Marx delivered classics and unreleased tracks from his upcoming album Afterhours, marking a rare India appearance.
Neeti Mohan’s moving rendition of Mayabini, performed in tribute to Zubeen Garg in his birthplace of Tura, became one of the festival’s most celebrated moments.
Reggae star Julian Marley and bass music pioneer Nucleya closed Day 1 with high-impact performances that set an electrifying tone for the weekend.
CM-MGMP Shines on the Big Stage
The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP) once again played a central role, providing seven emerging regional bands the opportunity to perform alongside global artists. Many young musicians described the experience as “transformational” and the biggest platform of their careers to date.
Culture, Food, Sport & Creativity
Beyond the music, visitors enjoyed the wide-ranging cultural experience that Me’gong Festival has become known for. Highlights included:
- The Great Garo Hills Cook Off, judged by MasterChef India Season 8 runner-up Nambie Jessica Marak
- Traditional sports
- A lively Brew Village
- Cosplay Contest
- Miss & Mr Me’gong Contest
- Craft & food markets
- VR experiences
- Entrepreneur stalls under PRIME Meghalaya
Families, tourists, and culture seekers flocked to the festival for its immersive blend of tradition and contemporary entertainment.
Meghalaya: India’s Emerging Concert Capital
The festival was inaugurated by Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, whose long-term cultural vision is positioning the state as a natural choice for global artists touring India.
In recent years, festivals such as Me’gong, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival and Winter Tales have attracted international performers and boosted tourism, music entrepreneurship and creative industries across the region.
As the lights went out at the Bolbokgre-Watregre Festival Grounds, Me’gong Festival 2025 left behind unforgettable performances, strengthened cultural pride, and renewed excitement for the artistic future of the Garo Hills.
