Exploring North East India’s music festivals

Echoes of global music flow through valleys

Music festivals in Northeastern India, representing both international and national artists, have emerged as a strong cultural expression and garnered attention from around the country.

Northeastern India’s music landscape is dynamic, ranging from traditional folk to electronic music. With a series of music festivals in the region, that are drawing an increasing number of musicians from around the world and tourists from across India, the region is a rich representation of the transforming music culture not just in the region but also the country.

Cherry Blossom Festival

As the Himalayan cherry blossoms bloom, Shillong, the capital city  of Meghalaya, hosts one of its biggest celebrations, the Cherry Blossom Festival, held in November.

The city transforms under shades of pink and white as thousands of cherry trees bloom across parks, avenues and hill slopes, creating a natural backdrop unlike anywhere else in India.

Spread over two days, the festival celebrates contemporary music and the enchanting atmosphere of early winter. What began as a small cultural gathering has evolved into a major annual attraction featuring genres including rock, pop, electronic dance music, hip-hop, R&B and soul.

Featuring more than 10 artists every year, the festival has witnessed international artists such as Jason Derulo, Tyga, Meba Ofilia and The Script performing, adding global appeal to the event’s distinct local charm. Indian artists like Lou Majaw, Meba Ofilia, DaLa-Riti, and Rito Riba have also left the audience in awe at the festival.

While music forms the major crust of the festival, the experience is amplified by traditional performances, night markets, art installations and the joyful spirit that sweeps through Shillong during cherry blossom season.

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Hornbill Festival  

Also known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival held in Kohima, Nagaland, in the month of December showcases the rich culture of the city, celebrating the traditions of the Naga tribes.

The 10-day festival features musicians, both national and global, practicing genres ranging right from folk to rock. The festival also includes a section, the Hornbill International Rock Contest, which sees rock musicians from around the world showcasing their talent.

Putting local culture in the spotlight, the Hornbill festival also includes a cultural medley of traditional Naga songs and dances.

Sangai Festival

Held in the month of November in Manipur annually, the Sangai Festival is a grand celebration of the state’s rich tradition and culture and which is named after Sangai, a rare brow-antlered deer found exclusively in the state.

The 10-day festival, since its inception in 2010 has promoted both international and local artistes. The event also provides a platform for Manipuri classical folk music, local bands and musicians from indigenous communities to showcase their talent.

Karbi Youth Festival

The Karbi Youth Festival a tribal and folk music festival is held in Diphu, a town in Assam, every February. Holding a strong historical background, the festival holds importance as it has become a forum to redefine the traditional Karbi culture.

Besides traditional songs and the use of traditional instruments like the Muri Tongpo, a flute like instrument, Krong Chu, a lyre-shape instrument carved out of bamboo and iron, the festival also witnesses the celebration of modern music through chorus.

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Ziro Festival

Founded in 2012, the Ziro Festival is held in Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh in late September.

The four-day outdoor music festival, described as one of the coolest music gatherings in the country, is not only known for its breathtaking location but also its deep commitment to sustainability. Claimed as one of India’s few genuinely eco-friendly festivals, its stages, installations and infrastructure are said to be crafted entirely from locally sourced bamboo, reflecting the region’s relationship with nature.

Over the years, the Ziro Festival has become a sanctuary for independent musicians, folk artists and experimental international acts. Calling over 40 musicians every year, the festival has seen artists like Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Lou Majaw, Indus Creed, Peter Cat Recording Co., Guru Rewben Mashangva and Barmer Boy lighting up the stage. For many emerging artists, performing at Ziro is a rite of passage into India’s indie music scene.

Wangala Festival

Meghalaya offers its own sonic celebration rooted deeply in tribal tradition. The Wangala Festival, also known as the “100 Drums Festival”, is a post-harvest celebration of the Garo tribe.

Held annually in November in the Garo hills, Wangala pays homage to Misi Saljong, the Sun God, who is believed to bless the land with a good harvest. The festival brings together the rhythmic thunder of 100 traditional drums, the melodies of primitive flutes and folk songs sung in unison.

More than 300 dancers dressed in traditional attire perform synchronised steps, their movements rising and falling with the drumbeats. The first official 100 Drums Wangala was celebrated in 1976 in Asanang village, and since then it has grown into one of Meghalaya’s most significant cultural events. In addition to music, the festival features ceremonial rituals, tribal dance performances, martial arts, craft exhibitions and traditional games, offering visitors a deep insight into Garo heritage.

Together, these festivals embody the essence of North East India, a region where heritage and modernity coexist harmoniously, where communities embrace visitors as their own, and where music transcends language, geography and identity.

Each festival provides a unique glimpse into the cultural pulse of the region. For travellers seeking stories, soundscapes and unforgettable experiences, the North East continues to stand as one of India’s most captivating cultural frontiers.