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Meghalaya Strawberry Festival: picking in the strawberry village
Berries still warm from the sun, picked straight from a hill village's rows
The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival is a short farm festival run by the state government with strawberry growers, timed to the harvest and held for two to four days between late February and May. Its home is Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district, known in Meghalaya as the strawberry village; the latest edition was spread across three farming areas: Smit in the East Khasi Hills, Sohliya, and Darechikgre near Tura in the West Garo Hills. Entry is free, and the government announces dates and venues one to three weeks ahead.
The Meghalaya government announces the dates and venues one to three weeks ahead.
The legend
Strawberry growing in Meghalaya began at Sohliya in 1988 with just 50 saplings. Today it is known as the strawberry village.
The present festival was first held in 2024. The tourism and agriculture departments run it so growers can sell their crop straight to visitors.
Customs
Picking on the farm
Visitors pick berries themselves, tour the farms and talk with the growers.
Jams and juices
Growers set out everything they make from the fruit: jams, juices and desserts.
Local bands
Meghalaya's bands and DJs play on stage; entry is free.
What happens at the festival
The festival exists to let growers sell straight to visitors, and its programme follows that. You can pick strawberries yourself, walk through the farms, talk to the growers and join tasting sessions. Stalls sell fresh fruit and what the growers make from it: jams, juices, desserts and other products, along with local food.
A stage hosts Meghalaya musicians, bands and DJs, many of them supported by the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, with a handful of acts each day. Meghalaya Tourism lists free entry and gives footfall of about 3,000 and about 8,000 for the venues of the latest edition.
The English name is the one in official use. Searches for 'strawberry festival' also bring up long-running events in the United States; this page is about the Meghalaya festival only.
Sohliya and Meghalaya's strawberries
Strawberry growing in Meghalaya began at Sohliya in 1988 with just 50 saplings. Drip irrigation arrived in 2004, and the crop spread from there: the state now produces about 1,200 tonnes a year, from more than 250 villages and over 4,000 farmers. The government has added cold storage and processing units and works with the Institute of Hotel Management in Shillong on products made from the fruit.
The festival in its present form is young. It is run by the state's tourism and agriculture departments, and its dates follow the crop rather than a fixed calendar, which is why it can fall anywhere from late February to May.
Where it has been held
Venues can change from year to year; these are the ones used at the latest edition.
Sohliya, Ri-Bhoi
The football ground at Sohliya, near Umsning: the original strawberry village and the festival's home.
Smit, East Khasi Hills
Wah-Iing-Syiem meadows in Smit village; this leg opened the latest festival, about a week before the other two.
Darechikgre, Tura
In the West Garo Hills, held at the same time as Sohliya.
Planning a visit
With only a few weeks' notice, this works best as an add-on to a stay in Shillong rather than a trip of its own.
- Watch for the announcement — The Meghalaya government announces dates and venues one to three weeks ahead; Meghalaya Tourism lists the festival on its festivals and events page.
- Pack for changeable weather — Meghalaya Tourism's general packing tips: warm clothing for the cool season, and an umbrella and a waterproof jacket for rain.
- Respect the farms — Pick where the growers show you: these are working fields.
FAQ
When is the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival?
For two to four days at harvest time, between late February and May. The dates move with the crop, and the government announces them one to three weeks ahead.
Where is the Strawberry Festival held?
Its home is Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district, the strawberry village. The latest edition also had venues at Smit in the East Khasi Hills and Darechikgre near Tura.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Meghalaya Tourism lists free entry; you pay only for strawberries and products you buy.
Can you pick strawberries at the festival?
Yes. Picking in the fields, farm visits and tastings are the core of the programme.
Sources (2)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.