Cherry Blossom Fest takes off finally
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 18: The second day of the Cherry Blossom Festival featured an amazing show of music, art, and natural beauty at the RBDSA Sports Complex in Ri-Bhoi, a welcome reprieve from the first day’s rainy mishap.
Thousands of music enthusiasts attended the festival on the delayed first day.
In the middle of a lively atmosphere, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh graced the festival and declared that the Cherry Blossom Festival has evolved into “a symbol of joy and unity, uniting people to appreciate the splendour of nature and the depth of our cultural diversity”.
The sounds of thrilling performances by local and international performers reverberated across the festival grounds, creating a unique ambiance that brought attendees closer to the centre of the festivities.
Hybrid Theory, NE-YO, Meba Ofilia, Pink Panda, Snow White, Rahul Rajkhowa, Banjop, Kenny Music, Gwyneth, CYCO, and Chevinia were among the celebrities who performed on the day. They expressed their delight about being a part of this special festival.
NE-YO commented on the audience’s excitement, saying, “The crowd’s enthusiasm and energy are unmatched. With its cherry blossoms, Shillong offers the ideal setting for creative expression.”
A stellar roster of national and international performers brought the stage to life, enthralling the crowd with a wide variety of musical styles. The audience was left in awe as the performers displayed their exceptional talents, ranging from upbeat beats to heartfelt performances.
The festival is still working its spell, with more enthralling shows, art installations, and cultural events scheduled for Sunday.
Govt was ill-prepared, TMC alleges
Meanwhile, the Opposition TMC on Saturday accused the state government for not being adequately prepared to manage traffic during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
According to TMC vice president George B Lyngdoh, a major traffic jam prevented people from getting to Bhoirymbong and leaving them stuck on the road.
“It’s important to assess preparedness because it must be tailored to the expected volume of foot traffic,” he stated.
He revealed that he had gotten numerous calls from individuals who had been trapped in traffic for hours on end, all of whom were moaning about the heavy traffic and the lack of attention given to the traffic situation in relation to Saturday’s Cherry Blossom event.
“Perhaps the attendance has exceeded projections, clogging the roadways with people unable to reach the venue. This results in a loss for not only the organisers but also for the ticket holders, who forfeited performances and wasted time,” he stated.
“People may feel resentful and refrain from participating in similar events in Meghalaya when it attempts to promote such tourist-attracting celebrations. It does not augur well at the same time. These tasks require careful planning,” he continued.