For govt, local media just tool for pre-event publicity
This year too, mediapersons face harrowing time at Cherry Blossom event site
Shillong, Nov 16:The state government and the Cherry Blossom organisers used the local media for pre-event publicity but ignored them later on November 14 & 15- the event days.
The local media persons were relegated to a distant corner of the stage, which made it difficult for them to cover the events, let alone getting access to basic facilities like water.
It was noticed that separate all-access and all-facility passes were distributed to some media persons and others from outside the state
When asked, the government claimed that all the media persons had the same access, which was not so on the ground.
As usual, VVIPs, VIPs, their relatives and friends had all the privileges. Last year too, similar problems occurred, and the local media had a harrowing time.
Critics have also pointed out the alleged vulgarity in some shows, especially of the dancers brought by the singers, though the audience was a mixed lot, including minors.
Official statement of the government
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Music & Arts Festival 2025 came to a spectacular close, reaffirming Meghalaya’s position as one of the leaders in India’s concert economy, a statement from the government said.
“Over two unforgettable days, the festival blended international stardom with local artistry, showcasing the state’s cultural richness while driving tourism, employment, and economic growth. With thousands of visitors thronging the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and cultural arenas across Shillong, the event once again proved that Meghalaya is setting new benchmarks for large-scale music and arts festivals in the country,” it said.
The celebrations began on Day 1 with inauguration by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who highlighted the government’s vision of making the Cherry Blossom Festival a complete cultural package.
Day 2 carried the momentum forward with a powerful mix of emotion and energy. Shillong’s own Meba Ofilia opened the evening with her soulful brilliance, followed by the thunderous precision of Japan’s Drum Tao and a dynamic set from DJ Kennedy.
A deeply moving tribute to the late Zubeen Garg brought the stadium together in a heartfelt chorus of ‘Mayabini’, performed by Zublee Baruah, Prabin Borah, Priyanka Bharali, and Arupjyoti Baruah.
