Global icons, homegrown talent, and thousands of voices set the tone for Meghalaya’s biggest cultural festival of the year
Tura, Dec 6: The Me’gong Festival 2025 opened to a dazzling start on Friday with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurating the fifth edition of Meghalaya’s flagship cultural celebration in the Garo Hills.
Thousands of visitors converged on Tura, reaffirming the festival’s emergence as a major force in India’s cultural and concert landscape.
The opening evening delivered a world-class musical showcase on the Aski Stage. Pop-rock legend Richard Marx set the tone with classic hits and new songs from his upcoming album Afterhours. “I am so happy to be here tonight… and thrilled to perform at Me’gong for the very first time,” he told the cheering crowd.
This was followed by a powerhouse performance by Neeti Mohan, who captivated the audience with chart-toppers including Ishq Wala Love, Jiya Re, Tu Hai Toh, and London Thumakda, before transitioning into a soulful retro medley. Moved by the landscape and the crowd, she said, “Why did I not come here before? It’s beautiful. You are so lucky to live in heaven on earth.”
In a heartfelt tribute to Meghalaya-born music legend Zubeen Garg, she performed Mayabini, drawing emotional applause from fans.
The tempo surged as Julian Marley brought soulful reggae to the hills, before India’s electronic music titan Nucleya transformed the festival grounds into a massive dance arena with a high-octane closing set. The electric atmosphere underscored Me’gong’s rising stature as one of India’s most dynamic cultural festivals.
Meghalaya’s own artists—Haystack Ladies, Strum Stories, and Ahaia—delivered standout performances that showcased the depth and evolving sophistication of the State’s growing music culture.
A major highlight was the performance by the Top 7 finalists of the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP). Sharing the stage with global artists marked a milestone moment for emerging talents such as Nictophilia, Magnificent Obsession, Necroscope, Emberfall, Imphaled, Misagathia and Rise & Shine.
Nineteen-year-old CM-MGMP artist Jakrima R Marak said, “MGMP is helping local musicians grow and giving budding artists across the state a real platform.”
The festival’s culinary attractions drew huge crowds as the Great Garo Hills Cook-Off returned with renowned MasterChef India Season 8 runner-up Nambie Jessica Marak as special guest judge. Participants presented rare indigenous recipes and innovative fusions using ingredients sourced from across Meghalaya.
Jessica Marak praised the participants for “reviving lost heritage” and showcasing the culinary richness of Garo Hills.
Beyond music and cuisine, Me’gong 2025 offered a multi-layered cultural experience. Visitors participated in traditional sports such as Anding Oka, explored the vibrant Brew Village, immersed themselves in digital adventures at the VR Zone, and engaged with artisans, dancers and cultural performers across the venue.
Entrepreneurs supported under the PRIME Meghalaya initiative showcased a diverse range of local food, crafts, beverages and artisanal products, reinforcing the festival’s role in promoting creative livelihoods.
Me’gong’s integration of indigenous crafts, contemporary production design, global music and modern recreation continues to strengthen Meghalaya’s cultural economy. The State’s sustained investments in large-format festivals and creative infrastructure have positioned it as a national frontrunner in cultural entrepreneurship and tourism.
After a blockbuster opening, the festival gears up for an equally exciting Day 2. The Aski Stage will feature performances by Blue, global electronic duo Yellow Claw, Kanika Kapoor and Prateek Kuhad, while the Kingfisher Stage will host Hoi Hoi Makbil, G-Hills Finest, Crack Gang, Rough Road and Nokpante, alongside a Cosplay Contest and ongoing cultural activities.
With momentum at an all-time high, visitors can expect another unforgettable day of music, culture and celebration at Me’gong Festival 2025.
