India’s renowned rockstar Lou Majaw, who has been celebrating legendary singer Bob Dylan’s birthday in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong for over five decades, will host the world’s longest-running tribute to Nobel laureate Bob Dylan in Shillong for the 55th edition of Bob Dylan Day on May 23 and 24.
The event is being organised by Mawjam Event Network, in association with the Lou Majaw Foundation, was started by legendary musician Lou in 1972.
This un-broken celebration in the Meghalaya capital began in 1972 from a small private celebration among close friends to an annual event that draws Dylan fans from across the country and the world.
“Bob Dylan taught us that a song can be a newspaper, a prayer, and a protest. For 55 years, we have sung his songs not to imitate, but to remember why we sing at all,” Majaw said.
This year’s Bob Dylan’s milestone celebration will run across two days and multiple venues in Shillong.
The programme will begin on May 23 with an intimate tribute concert at The Evening Club featuring Lou Majaw and The Electric Garden.
On May 24, a free open-street will be held at Khyndai Lad in Police Bazar from 4 pm to 6 pm with live music, poetry and remembrance sessions opposite Choudhury Pharmacy.
An evening session at Cafe Shillong in Laitumkhrah will feature performances by Reuben Z Lyngdoh, Christopher Dylan Majaw, and Phrangsngi Wahlang alongside Lou Majaw.
“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. This year, we celebrate 55 years across two days, two venues, and one legacy,” said Edwigh Eddie Majaw, founder of Mawjam Event Network. (Correspondent)
