Beyond music and food, visitors took part in traditional sports, explored the Brew Village, tried VR activities, and interacted with artisans, dancers, and performers.
Tura: The Me’gong Festival 2025 opened with a grand first day in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the State’s flagship cultural event, highlighting Meghalaya’s emergence as a hub for music, culture, and creative enterprise.
The opening evening featured international and national artists. Richard Marx performed songs from his upcoming album Afterhours along with timeless classics.
He expressed his delight at performing in Meghalaya, saying, “I am so happy to be here with you tonight. It’s been a while since I have been to India, and the first time here at the Me’gong festival. Very happy to see you guys.”
He was followed by Neeti Mohan, who performed Bollywood hits including Ishq Wala Love, Jiya Re, Tu Hain Toh, London Thumakda, and retro classics such as Lag Ja Gale and Naina Tose Lage. Mohan also paid tribute to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg with the song Mayabini. She praised Meghalaya, saying, “I was thinking, why did I not come here before. It’s beautiful. You all are so lucky that you get to live in heaven on earth.”
Global music was represented by Julian Marley, son of Bob Marley, who performed reggae numbers, while Indian electronic artist Nucleya closed the night with a high-energy set.
Local acts such as Haystack Ladies, Strum Stories, and Ahaia showcased Meghalaya’s evolving music scene.
A key highlight was the Top 7 finalists of the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP), including Nictophilia, Magneficient Obsession, Necroscope, Emberfall, Imphaled, Misagathia, and Rise&Shine.
The program provides emerging artists with exposure alongside international performers. Jakrima R Marak, a 19-year-old CM-MGMP artist, said, “MGMP is helping local musicians grow and promoting budding artists across the state.”
The festival also featured the Great Garo Hills Cook-Off, with MasterChef India Season 8 runner-up Jessica Nambie Marak serving as a judge.
Visitors enjoyed a variety of traditional and fusion cuisines, celebrating indigenous flavors and innovative culinary interpretations.
Beyond music and food, visitors took part in traditional sports, explored the Brew Village, tried VR activities, and interacted with artisans, dancers, and performers.
Stalls showcasing local handicrafts, food, and beverages under the state’s PRIME Meghalaya program added to the cultural vibrancy.
Day 2 promises performances by Blue, Yellow Claw, Kanika Kapoor, Prateek Kuhad, and local artists on the Kingfisher Stage, along with the Cosplay Contest and ongoing cultural activities, ensuring another day of music, culture, and celebration at Me’gong Festival 2025.
