Cherry Blossom Festival 2018: A Curtain Raiser

As the fall season makes its deep mark in Meghalya, the capital city of the state, Shillong is offering an opportunity to meandering tourists to become part of one of its kind frolic festival, Cherry Blossom. Witness the first ever celebration dedicated to bring peace, prosperity and tranquillity through the enchanting Cherry Blossom that Shillong is all set to bring to you.

The Season is Here… The Month is Right…

When the flowers bloom, deep pink like a flaming tree you know the winter has set in. Winter in Shillong is vibrant and zestful, with the offset of the autumn festival comes the onset of the winter festival. Cherry Blossom Festival is adored and merrily celebrated in the whole of Japan – needless to say, the festival is celebrated with great pride and happiness, turning even a frown into a smile.

With the celebration in India’s very own Shillong you can simply halt your Japan trip and whirl the almighty saving for your Japan expedition and plunge in Meghalaya’s cultural hub Shillong instead. Be a part of the blooming festival right next door. The Cherry Blossoms with their illuminating glow lasts for 10 days in the month of November.

Be the part of the lively festival, and fill the missing ingredient in the upbeat progressive ‘Abode of the Clouds.’ This is the only Cherry Blossom Festival in the world to be held in November in Shillong. Be a part in the midst of the full blooming radiant pink and white cherry blossoms, and make a spectacle along the turnpike of the famous Wards Lake.

Cherry Blossom Festival Embarkation

Behold the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp breeze of November’s aesthetic appeal. Cherry Blossom Festival is yet another feature to Meghalaya’s crest of achievements and the government of Meghalaya is all set to organise this first ever gala in affiliation with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD).

It is to be noted that the first sapling was planted by the Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr Mukul M. Sangma on May 14, 2015. This was followed by the planting of thousands of cherry blossoms on the roadsides of Wards Lake and around the capital. Approximately 2,000 cherry plants were planted by Forest and Environment Department during the months of July-August 2015.

The Cherry Blossoms plant is believed to have a positive psychological impact and is an exemplary element to attract tourism in the Northeastern states. It so happens that, Director of IBSD Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo initiated the launch of the festival because he felt miserably in love with Cherry Blossom (Sakura) of Japan. And it took Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo two years to convince the governments onto embracing the cherry blossom plant.

Calendar of the Event

Ready, set and frolic this month starting from Day 8 of November, apart from wanderlusting the beautiful lake side, pink-ery Cherry Blossom trail, indulge in some highlights the festival pitches.

Below is the Event’s Detailed Itinerary

November 8, 2018:

• Opening ceremony at Polo 2nd Ground
• Painting and Drawing Competition at State Central Library
• Fashion Show at Wards Lake

November 9, 2018:

• Cherry Blossoms Run at Fire Brigade Ground
• Archery Competition at Polo 2nd Ground
• Stunt Bikers Display at Polo 2nd Ground
• Unplugged western music at Wards Lake
• Traditional dance performance from Northeast India

November 10, 2018:

• Miss Cherry Blossom Beauty Pageant and cute kids competitions
• Live DJ music
• Stalls of various cuisines

November 11, 2018:

• Cherry Blossom Gold Tournament at Golf Course
• Closing Ceremony at Polo 2nd Ground

Photo: Cherry Blossom, Shillong | https://bit.ly/2f3SDEv

Taking long walks in Wards Lake under the illuminating Cherry Blossoms at night. Feast local delicious cuisine accompanied with music and magic shows. Rock and roll at the music concert and witness opening and the closing ceremony, featuring Drum Beating, Cultural Programme, Serenity Choir, Cycle and Bike rally etc.

Getting to the Venue

Ward Lake: Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya

Polo 2nd Ground: Lawmali, Golf Links, Shillong, Meghalaya

State Central Library: Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya

Fire Brigade Ground: Lower Moti Nagar, Nongthymmai, Shillong, Meghalaya

Golf Course: Golf Links, Shillong, Meghalaya

Where to Unpack?

Shillong occupies some charming guest houses- you can scroll through some options like their-Kynjai, Hotel Centre Point etc. The department of tourism offers some nestled cottages for your stay.

How to Reach Shillong?

Meghalaya is widely connected from Assam’s Guwahati City and you can avail many local or pre-paid taxis from the plains as well.

Road:

National Highway 40 connects Guwahati to Shillong. You can avail taxis from any taxi stands in Guwahati or take the bus from Assam State Transport Cooperation. However, there are two options on buses- City and Bazaar buses.

Airport:

Guwahati airport {Gopinath Bordoloi Airport} is the closest about 128 kilometres. There is a small airport at Umroi, about 35 km from Shillong as well, unlike the Guwahati airport, Umroi has fewer flights.

Rail:

With a distance of 104 kilometres to Shillong, Guwahati Railway Station is well connected to the entire country. The railway acts as a major tourism platform in means of connectivity and to experience ethnic tourism.

It’s Never Little too Late…

Save the date for you still have a week left…

Thrilled about The Cherry Blossom Festival? Backpack and hit the road to experience Thrilling, Chilling, Connecting festival and be a part of the first ever Cherry Blossom Festival celebrating in Shillong, Meghalaya and bombast with friends and family with all the pictures and mementos.

If you enjoyed reading this blog please share and comment your views about the festival.

Planning a visit? Let us know about your plans and we will provide you with great deals for the winter affair and exotic North-eastern states. Feel free to call us at +91-9212553109 or email us at info@tourmyindia.com .