CM woos tourists for Cherry Blossom Festival in Nov

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Mukul M Sangma and Dinabandhu Sahoo, director of Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), on Monday briefed the media in New Delhi, about the India International Cherry Blossom Festival to be held here from November 8 to 11.
Sangma urged tourists, both domestic and international, to visit the state and witness the extravaganza in Shillong.
The India International Cherry Blossom Festival is the first in the country and the world’s first to be held in autumn.
There will be several community events, which include guided night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms, live musical events, a beauty pageant and stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts and craft of the region.
PBesides, a rock concert, traditional folk music, unplugged western music and dance performances from all over North East India, choir performances, photography competitions, bicycle rallies, storytelling sessions of local and world folktales , a women’s exhibition football match and a local golf tournament.
“The government has planted thousands of cherry blossom trees which are lined up inside beautiful bamboo tree guards for protection,” Sangma said.
Last year, Shillong made history by hosting the festival in collaboration with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), said Sahoo, adding, the celebrations this year will be built on the success of last year’s festival.