Cherry blossoms will no longer transfer your thoughts to Japan or Washington D.C.
Yes, now Shillong will be in this list too! You ask how? Well, Shillong also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ is going to host the India International Cherry Blossom Festival yet again. Starting from 8-11 November 2017, it’s going to be a glorious event.
Bonus fact: It is the world’s only Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival.
The event is being organised by the Meghalaya Government in association with the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.
The Himalayan cherry blossoms grow wild in the beautiful Khasi Hills, and it is really a sight to behold. One can go for night walks under the illuminated cherry blossoms with live music. Not to forget there will be several stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts and craft of North East India.
Also, visitors can enjoy rock concert, traditional folk music, unplugged western music, several dance and choir performances, photography competitions, bicycle rallies and storytelling sessions of local and world folktales from all over the region. A women’s exhibition football match and a local golf tournament will also be conducted.
Bonus fact: The event is free and open to all.
Current Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma said, “The government has planted thousands of cherry blossom trees which are lined up inside beautiful bamboo tree guards for protection.”
For more information: check out the website (cherryblossomfestival.in)
