After Large Turnout, Shillong Backlash Builds Over Cherry Blossom Festival Venue

Late-night noise with gridlock has sharpened calls to shift future editions to larger open sites outside the city.

Overview

Organisers hailed the two-day event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as an unprecedented success that drew thousands and boosted tourism and jobs.
Residents reported music continued until about 12:30 am on the final night, with vibrations shaking nearby homes and families citing distress for students before exams.
Traffic near Polo was described as crippling, with prominent voices calling the arrangement unsustainable and urging a move to New Shillong or Ri-Bhoi.
Social-media complaints alleged a dismissive response from the Deputy Commissioner to late-night noise concerns, and citizens referenced Supreme Court noise guidelines.
A cardiologist warned of risks to emergency patients from gridlock, a letter reported a traffic accident during the period, and supporters countered that homestays and local businesses benefited; no policy changes have been announced.