Shillong, May 18: Shillong is set to host the 55th edition of Bob Dylan’s Day on May 23 and 24, continuing what is recognised as the world’s longest-running tribute to legendary singer-songwriter and Nobel laureate Bob Dylan.
The annual celebration, started in 1972 by veteran musician Lou Majaw, has become a major cultural tradition in Meghalaya, with every May 24 marking Bob Dylan’s birthday through music performances and public gatherings in Shillong.
This year’s event is being organised by Mawjam Event Network in association with the Lou Majaw Foundation.
As part of the 2026 milestone edition, celebrations will be held across two days and multiple venues. On May 23, an intimate tribute concert featuring Lou Majaw and The Electric Garden will be held at The Evening Club in Shillong from 9 PM onwards.
On May 24, a free open-street performance will take place at Khyndailad in Police Bazar from 4 PM to 6 PM, followed by another musical session at Cafe Shillong, Laitumkhrah from 6 PM to 9 PM. The performances will feature Lou Majaw along with musicians Reuben Z Lyngdoh, Christopher Dylan Majaw, Phrangsngi Wahlang and Diaclezziana Melbie M Nongrum.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Edwigh Eddie Majaw said the celebration reflects Shillong’s enduring love for music and culture.
“55 years is not just a number — it’s Shillong’s love letter to music. Lou started this with a guitar and a belief that art changes people,” he said.
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Lou Majaw also reflected on the legacy of the celebration, stating that Bob Dylan’s music inspired generations through messages of peace, protest and reflection.
Born in 1947 in Shillong, Lou Majaw is widely regarded as one of Meghalaya’s most influential musicians and is often referred to as “Shillong’s Dylan.” Over the decades, his annual tribute event has gained international attention and has been featured by global media platforms including BBC, Rolling Stone India and The Guardian.
Organisers said the event has become an important part of Meghalaya’s cultural identity, attracting music lovers, tourists and Dylan fans from different parts of the world while strengthening Shillong’s reputation as India’s rock music capital.
Despite financial and logistical challenges over the years, Lou Majaw has continued organising the celebration annually, keeping alive a musical tradition that has now spanned more than five decades.
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