The final day was a fitting climax. Internationally acclaimed British band Clean Bandit delivering an electrifying performance that had the audience swaying to their global hits. Bollywood sensation Kanika Kapoor added her signature charm, while Dutch-Moroccan DJ R3HAB brought the house down with his high-energy beats, transforming the arena into a pulsating dance floor. Local stars, including Khasi Bloodz and SK Korn, continued to shine, representing the vibrant talent of Meghalaya and showcasing the region’s deep connection to music.

The festival kicked off on November 15 with a spectacular Day 1, headlined by global R&B icon Akon, who mesmerized the crowd with hits from his Superfan Tour. Legendary band Boney M, on their Farewell Tour, delivered a nostalgic performance. Other highlights include renditions by Jasleen Royal, an electrifying show by international artist Lucas, and powerful performances by regional favourites like The Great Society, Rito Riba and Queen Sensation. The day also featured the highly anticipated Sakura Fashion Design Contest, alongside art installations and diverse food stalls that kept the crowd engaged throughout.

Adding to the festival’s success, the Japan Arena stood out as a hub, hosting anime screenings, cosplay competitions, and interactive activities that drew in fans of all ages. Across both days, visitors also enjoyed karaoke sessions, sumo wrestling demonstrations, and a host of engaging activities in the Japanese arena that made the festival an inclusive experience for all.

Akon, who arrived Assam yesterday was welcomed with a spectacular Khasi Welcome to Northeast at Hotel Mayfair Guwahati. Followed which, he also experienced a traditional welcome by the Khasi Seng Community.

The relentless efforts of Government of Meghalaya, through these festivals not only brings thousands of tourists to the state, creating an exceptional example of boosting economic growth but also promotes the local and aspiring stars of Meghalaya making the MGMP Artists perform at such a big platform. While inaugurating the festival yesterday, Hon’ble DoNER Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia shared his incredible experience saying he has never seen such energy in any festival across India. He lauded the efforts of the Government and the people of Meghalaya, saying, “Hats off to Conrad; hats off to you all(the people of Meghalaya)”

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, the government has worked tirelessly to elevate the festival’s stature on the global stage. The seamless organization, diverse programming, and focus on showcasing local talent alongside international stars exemplify the vision and dedication of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, who is himself a musician and an ardent lover of music.

• As the curtain falls on this year’s festivities, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival has once again proven to be a landmark event, bringing together the best of global and local culture while celebrating the unique beauty of Meghalaya’s Cherry
  

  Blossoms.

Hon’ble Tourism Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh stated, “It is indeed a privilege for me to bring the curtains down for the 4th edition of Lit Fest, 2024.” He said that this edition of Shillong Literary Festival has been the most successful edition of the literary festivals. “Lit Fest, 2024 is just a precursor for the next level where we will elevate and enhance the experience of literature.” He thanked his excellency, the Ambassador of Turkiye for inviting musicians of Meghalaya and accepted the invitation stating that the state will certainly take its best musicians to perform in Turkiye. Cuisine, culture, climate, customs- all of these are very strong and powerful USPs of Meghalaya, as a state.

Day Three of the festival opened with ‘The Lighthouse Family’, a candid conversation with His Excellency Firat Sunel, Ambassador of Türkiye, moderated by Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. His excellency Firat Sunel gave an eloquent introduction into his book where he took the audience to the “historical fiction set against the backdrop of Second World War.” On being asked about how he manages diplomacy and literature together, he added, “As a diplomat you meet a lot of people. You don’t need to run behind the story. The story comes to you.”

The session Words on Screen: Bollywood x Northeast, featuring Nicholas Kharkongor, Director of Axone and Nancy Nisa Beso in conversation with Mayank Shekhar, explored the intricate relationship between the film industry and the representation of Northeast India.

Travel: The World and Northeast India, a conversation between Samrat Choudhury and Mitra Phukan, took attendees on a metaphorical journey reflecting on growing prominence of travel writing. Choudhury, while discussing his book ‘A Braided River’ and his travel anecdotes besides the Brahmaputra, said, “The Brahmaputra is the original highway of the entire region”.

The magic of oral storytelling came alive during the session: The Power and Magic of Oral Storytelling, where Desmond Kharmawphlang engaged in a spirited discussion with Janet Dkhar. Desmonfmd Kharmawphlabg said, “There is a misconception that all the epics are written. There are these amazingly long complex stories which are not characteristic as epics as they are not there in the written version”, reflecting on oral storytelling in Garo hills and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Nina Sabnani, in conversation with Samanda Nora Pyngrope, unravelled the art of storytelling in animation and film during the session Crafting Worlds.

In the penultimate session of the three-day celebration of literature titled ‘Publishing Unveiled: The Art of Fact and Fiction’, Elizabeth Kuruvilla and Anindita Ghose examined the delicate balance between truth and imagination in publishing. The session provided aspiring writers with valuable insights into navigating the world of literature and publishing.

The festival concluded with a closing ceremony, featuring a keynote address by His Excellency Firat Sunel in presence of Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism. The welcome address to the closing ceremony was given by Cyril VD Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya.

The evening culminated in a mesmerising musical performance, Mamma Mia, by the talented students at St. Edmund’s School, leaving the audience enthralled. Every evening, the artists from MGMP performed in the festival alluring the visitors.

The 4th edition of this literary extravaganza, till date, has been the most successful festival in terms of footfall (Over 15,000 visitors) as well the line-up of speakers and moderators, ranging from the legends like Vikram Seth, Shobha De, Jerry Pinto, Anita Agnihotri, Arupjyoti Saikia, Kynpham S Nongkynirh, Sanjoy Hazarika, Madhu Raghavendra, Patricia Mukhim, Malavika Banerjee, Kanishka Gupta and many other doyens from the field of art, literature and cinema.

This enhanced schedule offers greater travel flexibility for Bengaluru residents heading to Sri Lanka for holidays or remote work, allowing more daytime hours on the island while being well-timed near the weekend. Travellers can enjoy a packed itinerary, make the most of their visit and return home ready to start the new week, making it an optimal choice for weekend trips to Sri Lanka.

The appeal of Sri Lanka as a holiday and MICE destination among Indian travellers is on the rise, largely due to the cultural and geographical closeness of the two countries. Many Indians will discover a familiar sense of home in Sri Lanka that is often missing elsewhere. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s compact size and the new flight schedule enable Indian visitors to experience a range of attractions in just a few days, from the picturesque southern beaches and the historic kovils in the north to the cool highlands in the central region, complemented by shopping and wellness activities in Colombo.

The new flight schedule is just one reason why SriLankan Airlines remains a preferred choice for Indian travellers. Members of the airline’s loyalty programme, FlySmiLes, can earn 1,174 miles for flights on UL 1174 and 1,173 miles on UL 1173. Onboard, passengers can indulge in delicious Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, along with the renowned warmth and hospitality that reflects the spirit of Sri Lanka.

In addition to the new service, SriLankan Airlines will continue operating its established daily flights between Bangalore and Colombo. India is the only nation with nine cities in SriLankan Airlines’ network, covering Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Bangalore. Altogether, SriLankan Airlines runs nearly 90 flights each week between India and Sri Lanka.

For further information and to make bookings, please visit SriLankan.

Earlier this year, NIMA celebrated a decade of progress by marking 21st June as “World MICE Tourism Day,” symbolising its commitment to elevate India’s role in global tourism. Vikas Khanduri, NIMA’s Advisor, sees India’s potential to lead the MICE sector as vast, given the synergy between tourism and large-scale business events. He remarked that India’s unique cultural heritage, extensive tourism offerings, and competitive pricing make it ideal for the conferencing market. Khanduri envisions “World MICE Tourism Day” celebrated alongside World Yoga Day as a reflection of India’s leadership in both wellness and conferencing. “India has already proven that it can lead with Yoga, and now it’s time for us to showcase our leadership in the MICE industry,” he added.

NIMA co-founder Gajesh Girdhar emphasised the need for professionalism in India’s MICE industry to elevate the country’s global presence, stating, “For India to truly dominate the global MICE landscape, it’s essential that we raise awareness within the industry about how India can manage large-scale events with the utmost professionalism.” Girdhar aims to see India become the preferred destination for MICE events, not only for affordability and variety but also for its ability to handle large gatherings with precision akin to established hubs like Singapore and Dubai. By incorporating global best practices, NIMA strives to build a more knowledgeable and prepared MICE ecosystem.

A key initiative proposed by NIMA is to integrate “Yoga and Conferencing” to offer global participants a holistic experience. Rakesh Arora, NIMA’s Coordinator of Administration, Finance, and Membership, suggested that this approach could create a unique MICE offering by linking yoga, a globally recognised symbol of Indian wellness, with business events. Arora noted, “The government should seriously consider formalising this thought. When global MICE participants experience India’s holistic wellness traditions alongside their business conferences, it will elevate the impact of these events and promote Indian tourism on a global scale.”

Another cornerstone of NIMA’s strategy involves strong public-private partnerships, which Arora believes are essential for keeping India competitive in the global MICE market. He pointed out that India’s advantages, such as competitive pricing, diverse destinations and enthusiasm for hosting international events, combined with government support for new conference venues, position the country as a major player in the MICE market. NIMA also calls for government investment in training across all segments of the MICE workforce, from event organisers and hospitality staff to transport and visa facilitators, ensuring a high-quality experience for global delegates.

As India prepares to take a central role in the “ASEAN-India Year of Tourism in 2025,” NIMA’s vision for a Global MICE Day and India’s future as a MICE hub dovetails with the Prime Minister’s tourism agenda. NIMA believes that India can become a global leader in the MICE industry by fostering collaboration, upholding professional excellence and blending cultural heritage with modern conferencing. With optimism, NIMA’s leadership looks forward to collaborating closely with government and industry partners to strengthen India’s global MICE standing, welcoming the world to India for conferences and unforgettable travel experiences.

Adding to the cultural allure, Japan has been announced as the festival’s partner country. This collaboration celebrates the striking similarity between the cherry blossoms in Meghalaya and those in Japan—a resemblance first noted by the Japanese Ambassador during his visit to Meghalaya in 2023. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through a dedicated stall that showcases traditional heritage and customs.

The tradition of celebrating “Hanami” (Cherry Blossom) dates back over a thousand years in Japan, and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, launched in 2016, holds the distinction of being the first autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in the world. Since its inception, this unique festival has attracted travellers from across India and beyond. Last year’s edition saw record attendance, with visitors from all over the country and international attendees as well, and this year’s event is expected to be even more spectacular.

The “Year of Legends” theme promises to make this festival an unforgettable experience, combining celebrated artists with cross-cultural connections. In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy a range of activities, including fashion shows, cosplay competitions, art installations, food and wine stalls and more. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow and RockskiTickets, setting the stage for a countdown to one of India’s most exceptional festivals. Whether you’re drawn to music, nature, or cultural exploration, Shillong eagerly awaits to celebrate the “Year of Legends” in grand style.

Guests can enjoy Dubai’s rich cultural heritage through exclusive experiences, starting with a grand arrival by traditional abra boats gliding along winding waterways. Passing through grand wooden doors, guests are warmly welcomed by their host. Gathering spaces like the majlis—a traditional Arabic ‘sitting room’—become centres of connection, where local delights such as hand-picked teas and artisanal brews are shared alongside complimentary daily aperitifs. Quiet courtyards and spacious terraces offer moments of reflection, while the ritual of bakhoor burning adds a peaceful, culturally significant aroma to the experience. Other unique touches include a tree-planting ceremony for a lasting legacy and a daily candy bicycle visit for children.

Guests at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf also enjoy access to Madinat Jumeirah’s energetic offerings, which include over 50 restaurants and bars, a private beachfront, the holistic Talise Spa, a newly refurbished Kids’ Club with mini-golf and the J Club—all accessible by foot or a scenic abra ride. This refurbishment reaffirms Dubai’s largest resort’s commitment to personalised luxury, building on the recent reimagining of the Malakiya Villas, unveiled in early 2023.

“The unveiling of the Arabian Houses marks a significant milestone for Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” said Peter Roth, Regional Vice President at Madinat Jumeirah and General Manager of Jumeirah Al Qasr. “This is a moment to honour our rich history while looking forward to the future of this treasured resort. Madinat Jumeirah inspired a new approach to hospitality in Dubai two decades ago, and with that legacy comes the responsibility to continuously innovate. As demand for authentic travel experiences grows, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf remains steadfast in its commitment to offering traditional Arabian hospitality matched with moments of enriched connection and conversation, bespoke to every guest.”

Speaking on the refurbishment, Sahar Al Yaseer, Founder of La Bottega Interiors added: “It was an honour to collaborate with Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf on the refurbishment of its stunning Arabian Houses. Our vision was to create a realm where interior design transcends the ordinary, embracing the essence of Arabia with an artful fusion of authenticity and contemporary palettes to cultivate a sense of profound peace.”

The refurbishment underscores Dubai’s largest resort’s ongoing commitment to creating bespoke experiences, following the recent remodelling of the Malakiya Villas unveiled in early 2023.

Before joining Mayfair, Gupta was associated with Accor India & South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group and Sahara Airlines, overseeing sales operations across key markets.

With his deep industry knowledge and proven leadership, Gupta is expected to contribute significantly to Mayfair Hotels’ commercial growth and development initiatives.

“Our new service represents a pivotal milestone for Nok Air as we strengthen our international network as a premium budget airline,” said Ranon Viputsiri, Chief Commercial Officer of Nok Air. “This enhanced connectivity between India and Bangkok will position Bangkok as a key gateway to Thailand, providing travellers seamless access to renowned destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai, as well as lesser-known gems such as Chiang Rai, Nan, Trang, and many more ensuring a strong comprehensive travel experience.”

Nok Air is dedicated to providing an exceptional flying experience at an affordable price, reflected in its tagline, “We Fly Smiles.” Passengers can choose from two ticket types— Nok Air X-tra and Nok Max—each designed for comfort and convenience.

– Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg of checked luggage, 7 kg of carry-on baggage, premium seating options, inflight entertainment and a complimentary snack box with a water bottle.

– Nok Max: Includes 30 kg of checked luggage, 7 kg of carry-on baggage, premium seating and a complimentary hot meal with Indian vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.

India is the third largest source of visitors to Thailand, with one million Indian tourists visiting between January and June 2024. Nok Air will operate a total of 12 flights between India and Thailand, including four weekly flights from Hyderabad and eight from Mumbai, offering passengers convenient flight times and premium services.

Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia at Minor Hotels, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Rohit to the Minor Hotels team. His extensive expertise in sales, marketing and strategy, coupled with a deep understanding of the Indian hospitality market, make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial strategy in India. Rohit’s ability to foster strong client relationships and deliver growth aligns perfectly with our vision for expansion in India.”

Chopra said, “I am excited to join Minor Hotels at such a pivotal moment in its growth journey. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive commercial success and strengthen our relationships with clients and partners. Minor Hotels’ brands are renowned for their exceptional service and guest experiences. I look forward to working with our team members to continue our success in the dynamic Indian market.”

Guests are also invited to partake in the traditional Diya Lighting Ceremony, a ritual symbolising the welcoming of light and prosperity. The festivities will continue with a colourful Mehndi experience, where the artistry of intricate henna designs will be on display.

For young adventurers, the ‘Float Your Boat’ activity provides a fun-filled experience. Guided by the resort’s talented recreation team, children will design, build, decorate, and race their own handcrafted boats at the Bandhi Pool Bar.

As the evening unfolds, the Bandhi Pool Bar will host ‘The Great Indian Disco’, where guests can dance to Indian tunes mixed by resident DJ Tiddy, while enjoying a selection of spicy Indian-inspired drinks to keep the festive spirit going.

To capture the essence of the celebrations, guests can take memorable photos at the exclusive Diwali-themed photobooth, ensuring that the joy of the occasion is preserved long after the festivities conclude.
Heritance Aarah Maldives welcomes guests to immerse themselves in these vibrant Diwali celebrations, offering a unique blend of culture, exceptional dining across seven restaurants and five bars, and warm camaraderie, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.