Latest news with #CherryBlossomFestival
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Akon, The Voice Behind SRK's Chammak Challo, To Perform In Delhi On This Date
Akon is all set to return to India, kicking off his concert tour in Delhi. International music sensation Akon is all geared up to make a powerful return to India with a full-fledged concert, much to the excitement of his fans. His last public performance in the country took place during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong, marking his stage debut in India. This time, he's back with an even bigger and more energetic tour, set to captivate audiences across three major cities. The tour will begin in Delhi, with tickets for the concert going live on August 8. This initial pre-sale will be exclusively available for HSBC cardholders. General ticket sales will follow shortly after, starting on August 10 at 10 PM. Time and Venue Fans eager to attend the Delhi concert can mark their calendars for 1 PM on August 8, when the pre-sale begins. The venue has been confirmed as Gate No. 14, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night filled with Akon's global hits like Smack That, Lonely, Beautiful and Right Now, along with immersive visuals and vibrant stage energy. Bengaluru and Mumbai to Follow After Delhi, Akon will head to Bengaluru for a concert on November 14, 2025, followed by a performance in Mumbai on November 16. Organised by District, the tour has been described as 'one of the most anticipated music events of the year," promising high-octane shows and memorable fan experiences in all three cities. Akon's Last Visit To India Before this upcoming tour, Akon last visited India to perform at the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. His appearance became a viral moment, especially during his performance of Chammak Challo from the film Ra. One, where he was joined on stage by Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Akon later shared a video of the performance on Instagram, calling it the 'Best pre-wedding party of the year." The video featured Shah Rukh Khan dancing alongside his wife Gauri and daughter Suhana, while Salman Khan was seen enthusiastically playing the drums during the show. Also joining the stage were singer Sukhbir and the bride and groom themselves, making the night a celebration to remember. With an impressive lineup of cities and a promise of unforgettable live performances, Akon's India tour is shaping up to be a major event on the 2025 entertainment calendar. Whether you're in Delhi, Bengaluru, or Mumbai, get ready to experience the magic of Akon live on stage once again. First Published: August 07, 2025, 18:37 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
United News of India
01-07-2025
- United News of India
Meghalaya makes registered guides mandatory for trekkers
Shillong, July 1 (UNI) Weeks after a murder that shook Meghalaya's tourism sector, the state government has announced that registered guides must accompany visitors undertaking treks and outdoor activities. The directive comes following the high-profile killing of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), allegedly orchestrated by his wife in collusion with a group of accomplices from Madhya Pradesh. The incident, which led to the arrest of eight people, has brought tourist safety under sharp scrutiny, especially in the scenic but remote regions of Meghalaya. Rosetta M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills and chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), said the new regulation is being enforced to safeguard visitors from unforeseen risks. 'For safety reasons, tourists must now avail the services of registered guides for treks and outdoor activities,' Kurbah said, adding that the move will help reduce risks such as accidents, tourists getting lost in remote terrains, or falling prey to criminal activity. The East Khasi Hills, home to globally renowned natural attractions like the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat, numerous cascading waterfalls, and dense subtropical forests, attracts lakhs of visitors annually. While the landscape is breathtaking, the trails are often isolated and complex, posing logistical and safety challenges for unaccompanied travelers. Officials have confirmed that the new rule will be strictly enforced. Tourists who fail to comply may face penalties or even be denied access to popular trekking routes. To ensure smooth implementation, the district administration has committed to recruiting and training more local guides, thereby also creating employment opportunities within the community. This is not the first time Meghalaya has taken regulatory steps to protect its tourism economy, which contributes significantly to local livelihoods. Past measures have included visitor caps at ecologically sensitive sites and compulsory registration of homestays. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh welcomed the latest safety mandate, noting that Meghalaya's target of attracting over two million tourists this year can only be achieved if visitor trust is preserved through proactive measures. 'We are deeply committed to ensuring that Meghalaya remains a peaceful and safe destination for all. Events like the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong later this year, which will feature international artists, are testimony to our growing tourism ambitions,' Lyngdoh said. Meghalaya, often referred to as the "abode of clouds," is among the top eco-tourism destinations in India, with the East Khasi Hills leading in visitor footfall. UNI ABI PRS
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
Raja Raghuvanshi murder: Planning trip to Meghalaya? Hiring guides now mandatory
SHILLONG: In a bid to enhance tourist safety, authorities in Meghalaya have made it mandatory for visitors to hire registered guides while undertaking outdoor activities in the East Khasi Hills district, officials said. The decision comes in the wake of the high-profile murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly planned by his wife during their honeymoon in the scenic Sohra region last month. "In view of safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered tourist guide while undertaking treks (and outdoor activities) in the area," East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Rosetta M Kurbah said in an order. Kurbah, who also serves as chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), said mandatory guide services aim to enhance visitor safety and prevent incidents such as tourists getting lost, injured, or falling prey to crimes in remote areas. She cited serious safety concerns in the aftermath of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, which rocked the state and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals from Indore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo Tourism officials added that the directive will be strictly enforced, with penalties for violators. Tourists found flouting the rule may be denied access to popular trekking routes. The district is home to some of Meghalaya's top attractions, including the double-decker living root bridge, stunning waterfalls, and rolling meadows—all of which attract adventure seekers year-round. To facilitate the implementation, the administration plans to deploy more trained guides and collaborate with local communities. The tourism department is also working on improving safety infrastructure in the region. Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said the state is expecting a surge in tourist footfall, projecting over two million visitors this year. Among the major attractions planned is the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival, which will feature performances by international artists in Shillong. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jason Derulo and The Script to headline Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong
Global stars are set to light up the north-east city in a two-day celebration of music, culture, and immersive experiences. The Cherry Blossom Festival is set to return to Shillong on November 14-15, with an international line-up headlined by Jason Derulo and The Script. The announcement was made by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya during a World Music Day event at the Lariti Auditorium. After drawing thousands in previous editions, this year's festival will return to the city with an expanded footprint. Alongside main stage concerts at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, cultural installations and pop-up experiences are planned across Ward's Lake, heritage sites, and key public spaces—transforming Shillong into a citywide celebration zone. Supporting venues like MFA Ground and SRGT Ground will add to the festival's scale. Day 1 highlights: Jason Derulo, the Miami-based pop-R&B artiste known for hits like Swalla , Talk Dirty , and Savage Love , will perform with his 15-member dance crew. Derulo's high-energy stage presence and choreography have earned him a place among the top global performers known for combining vocals with movement. Sharing the stage, Irish rock band The Script will make their India debut. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide and anthems like Hall of Fame and Breakeven , the band is expected to deliver an emotionally charged live set that fans have long awaited. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Day 2 headliners will be revealed in the coming weeks, with organisers hinting at a similarly diverse and high-profile line-up. In a major production upgrade, every attendee will receive an RFID-enabled LED wristband, enabling synchronised crowd lighting—a concept made popular at global concerts, which will now debut in the North-East. The goal: to create a shared visual and musical experience unlike any before. Tickets, limited to preserve production quality, will go on sale at the end of June. More than just a music event, the Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is poised to amplify Shillong's cultural capital, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad while providing a significant boost to the local economy and tourism sector.
NZ Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Blossom festival axed, replaced by promotion
A beloved community annual tradition in Greerton has been axed after nearly 20 years because of costs. The Greerton Business Association, formerly known as Greerton Village Community Association, this week announced it has cancelled 2025's Cherry Blossom Festival, which was set for September. Association chairman Cameron Templer said in a
