Meghalaya: Tribute to Zubeen Garg as highlight during Cherry Blossom Festival

Shillong: Organisers of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong, Meghalaya, have announced a poignant homage to the late Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg, slated for November 15, poised to be a centrepiece of this year's edition in Northeast India's most prominent annual music extravaganza.

Dubbed "Zubeen Garg Tribute," the performance will showcase a lineup of talented vocalists—Zublee, Priyanka, Prabin, and Arupjyoti—recreating selections from Garg's extensive repertoire of beloved tracks.

This musical nod aligns perfectly with the theatrical debut of Garg's latest movie, *Roi Roi Binale*, hitting screens nationwide, amplifying its timeliness and emotional resonance.

Hosted at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on the Polo Grounds in Shillong, the two-day celebration kicks off on November 14 and promises an eclectic mix of global and regional stars.

Saturday's agenda, beyond the tribute, boasts headliners Tyga—the U.S. hip-hop sensation behind anthems like "Rack City" and "Taste"—joined by Aqua, the iconic Danish-Norwegian pop ensemble celebrated for their '90s smash "Barbie Girl."

Complementing these acts on the second day are Arius (the Laser Assassin), local Meghalaya talent Meba Ofilia, Sikkim's Girish & The Chronicles, and a diverse array including Nate 08, Finding Mero, Arpan, Drum Tao, Sev, DJ Zethan, Ahaia, G Hills Finest, Soulgroove, Dalapriti, Varun Vohra, Cardo, Brian, Catatonic, and T8:3zn.

The opening day on November 14 features powerhouse closers Jason Derulo, Nora Fatehi, and The Script, bolstered by supporting talents such as Zephyrtone, ADL x Dappest, Walter Wahlang, Khasi Bloodz, and Prismer.

Further highlights include sets from Alive, Larger Than 90, Bending Waves, Baddvision, Smokey, Gary Daniel, Arki, Some Guy, Isaac, and Kly, culminating in a grand finale by electronic maestro Diplo.

Beyond the stage, the festival brims with interactive experiences, such as the Cherry Blossom Arm Wrestling Championship, glow-in-the-dark soccer, wellness sessions, a silent disco, karaoke nights, mechanical bull rides, regional jet skiing, immersive experience zones, a graffiti showdown, comedy tents, narrative and poetry readings, the vibrant Cherry Blossom Carnival, exclusive merchandise stalls, The Drip fashion corner, and bespoke cultural showcases from the North East Zonal Cultural Centre.