Music & culture · Meghalaya
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
India's only festival built around the autumn bloom of the wild Himalayan cherry.
For three days in November, Shillong turns pink as thousands of wild Himalayan cherry trees (Prunus cerasoides) blossom above Ward's Lake, Polo and Upper Shillong. The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival pairs the bloom with live music, wine tastings, fashion shows, food stalls and a mini-marathon — Meghalaya's flagship urban festival and India's most photographed autumn event.
- Dates
- 12 – 14 November 2026
- Venue
- Ward's Lake & Polo Grounds, Shillong
- City
- Shillong
- Status
- Announced
What to expect
Overview
- 3 days · 2 main venues (Ward's Lake for the day programme, Polo Grounds for evening concerts).
- Curated by the Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD) and Meghalaya Tourism.
- Concert line-ups have included Ronan Keating, Boyzlife, Julian Marley, Akon, Salim–Sulaiman and top Northeast Indian bands.
- Daytime programme: bike ride, mini-marathon, cherry-themed photography walks, wine tastings, Khasi cuisine pop-ups.
- Coincides with the annual Ward's Lake illumination and Christmas market run-up.
Context
History & significance
Launched in 2016 by IBSD and the Meghalaya Government — India's only festival timed to a cherry blossom bloom, and one of the world's very few autumn-bloom cherry festivals (Japan's is a spring event).
The wild Himalayan cherry (Prunus cerasoides) is native to the Khasi Hills and blooms October–November, unlike the Japanese sakura.
By 2019 the festival drew 40,000+ visitors and had become a fixture on the Northeast tourism calendar, alongside Hornbill and Ziro.
The 2022 edition featured Salim–Sulaiman and Papon, and 2024 confirmed the festival as India's largest autumn music-and-culture event.
Getting there
How to reach
- Fly into Guwahati (GAU) — 100 km / 3.5 hours by road to Shillong.
- Meghalaya Transport Corporation runs daily Volvo coaches from Guwahati Paltan Bazaar (₹500).
- Shared Sumos from Guwahati ISBT to Shillong Police Bazaar (₹350–₹500).
- Umroi Airport (SHL) has limited daily flights from Kolkata.
- No permit needed — Meghalaya is permit-free for both Indian and foreign visitors.
While you're there
Nearby attractions
Ward's Lake & Lady Hydari Park
The heart of the festival — cherry trees in full bloom line the lake and Japanese garden.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Iconic Shillong landmark, walking distance from Polo Grounds.
Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures
Seven-storey museum with a panoramic sky-walk over Shillong.
Cherrapunji (Sohra)
1.5-hour drive — living root bridges, Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters falls.
Mawlynnong & Dawki
Full-day trip to Asia's cleanest village and the crystal-clear Umngot river.
Accommodation
Where to stay
Ri Kynjai — Serenity by the Lake
Luxury boutique on Umiam Lake (₹18,000+).
Polo Orchid Resort
5-star inside the Polo Grounds precinct (₹9,000+).
Jail Road Retreat & Aerodene Cottage
Colonial-era heritage cottages in central Shillong (₹4,500+).
Hotel Centre Point
Reliable 4-star at Police Bazaar (₹5,000+).
iSpace Backpackers
Popular hostel in Laitumkhrah (₹1,200 dorm).
Travel with us
Living Roots tour package
5 days / 4 nights
Shillong Cherry Blossom & Cherrapunji Weekend
- Guwahati airport transfers
- 4 nights' stay in central Shillong
- Festival day passes and Polo Grounds evening concert access
- Day trip to Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave
- Living root bridge trek at Nongriat (optional add-on)
Shillong hotels sell out 6–8 weeks before the festival — book early to secure a room in the Polo / Laitumkhrah cherry belt.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026?
The 10th edition of the India International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on 12 – 14 November 2026 at Ward's Lake and Polo Grounds in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Why does Shillong have cherry blossoms in November?
Shillong's cherry blossom is the wild Himalayan cherry (Prunus cerasoides), which is native to the Khasi Hills and blooms in autumn (October–November) — unlike the Japanese sakura, which blooms in spring.
Do I need a permit to visit the Cherry Blossom Festival?
No. Meghalaya is permit-free for both Indian and foreign nationals. A valid Indian visa is enough for foreigners; no ILP is required.
Where are the best cherry blossom spots in Shillong?
Ward's Lake, Polo, Upper Shillong (near the Airforce Station), Golf Links and the road to Shillong Peak have the densest wild cherry plantings. The festival organises official photo walks along Ward's Lake and Lady Hydari Park.
Which artists have performed at Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival?
Past editions have hosted Ronan Keating, Boyzlife, Julian Marley, Akon, Salim–Sulaiman, Papon, Shaan, Farhan Akhtar and leading Northeast Indian bands like Soulmate and Summersalt.