Fri Sep 05 06:14:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a brief summary:
**Summary:**
The Meghalaya government has launched its Autumn Calendar 2025, a festival-packed schedule designed to boost tourism and the local economy. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh defends the festivals as investments, citing significant returns from the previous year. The calendar features music projects, international sporting events, and literary dialogues, including the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, the Megha Kayak Festival, and the Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge. Local artists will also participate in international events.
**News Article:**
**Meghalaya Launches Festival-Heavy Autumn Calendar, Eyes Economic Boost**
**GUWAHATI, September 5, 2025** – The Meghalaya government is betting big on culture and tourism, unveiling its Autumn Calendar 2025 with a packed schedule of festivals and events. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced the initiative, emphasizing the significant return on investment generated by similar events in 2024.
“These festivals are not expenses, but strategic investments,” Lyngdoh stated. “They attract visitors, empower local talents, and create resources to support other essential sectors of our economy.” He cited a return of ₹133.42 crore on a ₹23.5 crore investment in festivals last year, silencing critics who questioned the expenditure.
The Autumn Calendar 2025 promises a diverse range of attractions, including:
* **Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project:** A state-wide initiative featuring daily music sessions showcasing local talent. The project has already created over 7,750 artist performances and 175 salaried jobs.
* **Megha Kayak Festival (October 14-18, Ri-Bhoi):** Expected to draw top kayakers from around the globe, building on Meghalaya’s growing reputation as a kayaking destination.
* **Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge (October 23-25):** The seventh edition of this popular motorsport event, known for its challenging tracks and thrilling action.
* **Shillong Literary Festival (November 20-22):** The annual celebration of literature and culture.
Local artists will also gain international exposure, with groups participating in the North-East India Festival in Singapore and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. The other events on the calendar are the Cherry Blossom Festival, Me·gong Festival and Winter Tales Festival.
The government hopes the festival calendar will further solidify Meghalaya’s position as a cultural hub, creating opportunities for local youth and communities.
First Piper 