Meghalaya to host vibrant Strawberry Festival on may 2-3, 2025
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The Strawberry Festival in Meghalaya, an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, has become a much-awaited, much-anticipated and a must-visit annual event.This festival not only highlights the luscious strawberries but is also a unique celebration blending agro-tourism, cultural heritage and rural development altogether. The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival is being organized by the Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism along with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.The first edition of the strawberry festival took place on April 12th and 13th, 2024, which drew national attention as well as visitors from across the country. It is celebrated across various locations of Meghalaya –where strawberry cultivation has made notable strides.Visitors are provided with the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries straight from the fields, providing an immersive experience to connect with the rural way of life. Stalls offering products made from strawberries such as strawberry wines, jams, ice creams and traditional cakes also are available at the festival. Workshops providing lessons on jam making and baking treats with the local strawberries are also part of introducing the element of education and interactivity at the festival.A highlight of the strawberry festival is the live musical performances by local artists through MGMP platform along with cultural performances, highlighting the rich vibrant culture of the state while also creating a lively festive atmosphere resonating through the hills. Learning sessions on traditional wine making, beverages and organic farming methods are also a part of the activities in the strawberry festival.In the year 2023, the Meghalaya government in an initiative to enhance strawberry cultivation, distributed strawberry saplings and planting materials. The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare released a data showing that Meghalaya produced an approximate 1220 metric tonnes of strawberries in 2024, marking an increase from 1196 metric tonnes in 2023. The government of Meghalaya envisions to expand strawberry cultivation to 100 acres and possibly another 500 acres which will improve the lives of the farmers and economic growth of the state. Recently, Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya also went on a rural tour of Syntung village where he interacted with 115 beneficiaries who work tirelessly to grow some of the finest and luscious strawberries in the country.The strawberry festival is also a significant driver of economic growth in Meghalaya, providing opportunities for the local farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and attract customers, creating a win-win situation for the local community and economic development by integrating tourism with strawberry cultivation.This year the Strawberry Festival is scheduled to take place on the 2nd and 3rd May 2025 starting at three locations: Sohliya in Ri Bhoi District, Syntung at East Khasi District and Darechikgre in West Garo Hills District, bringing in another year of vibrant festivities.The Strawberry Festival is more than just a tourist attraction; it stands as a symbol of community empowerment. It has provided a vibrant platform for local farmers, women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and small-scale entrepreneurs to exhibit their produce and products, resulting in economic opportunity and a promotion of sustainable livelihood. The festival is a harmonious blend of agriculture, tourism and culture. Visitors will not only get to enjoy the festival but also savor the delicious strawberries of Meghalaya, and for those who wish to get experience of agro-tourism, the strawberry festival is one that needs to be marked up on the calendar.
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