State to host world’s first Autumn Cherry Blossom Fest

SHILLONG: India’s first Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in Shillong in November. The festival is being organized in sync with State Government’s push for “Destination Meghalaya”.
Meghalaya enjoys a unique distinction of having cherry trees which bloom in the month of November. Cherry trees found in other countries usually bloom during March-April. Hence, the festival, which will start on Children’s Day (November 14) and conclude on November 17, will be the world’s first Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival and promises to place Meghalaya on the global tourist map.
The event will be organized by the State Government in collaboration with the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD). The festival will showcase Meghalaya’s rich arts and culture and places of interest the state is famous for.
As a curtain raiser to holding India’s first Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya, the State Government had last year launched the cherry blossom festival plantation initiative in the city.
During the months of July-August 2015, approximately 2,000 cherry trees were planted by the Forest & Environment Department in and around Shillong with support from IBSD.
Several events such as cultural programme, cherry blossom run, stunt bike display, etc., will be held during the festival.