From Abha Anindita
BHOIRYMBONG, Nov 17: The much-anticipated Cherry Blossom Festival at Bhoirymbong this year turned into a spectacular celebration of music, culture, and community as a horde of visitors from across India and beyond gathered to witness iconic performances by Akon and Boney M, marking what is widely believed to be Boney M’s farewell tour. But beyond the music, the event became a thriving hub for local vendors and entrepreneurs. Food stalls offering traditional Khasi delicacies were a big hit with tourists and locals alike.
“My stall has been busy since morning,” said Lamphrang Khongwir, who ran the stall with his wife. “Visitors are eager to try authentic local food, and festivals like this are a great opportunity for small businesses.”
Even parking turned into a lucrative business for nearby residents. “We converted part of our yard into parking and charged between Rs 200 and Rs 500,” said Marina Lyngdoh, a Bhoirymbong resident. “The response has been overwhelming. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Taxi drivers also saw a surge in demand, ferrying tourists to and from the venue. One driver from Shillong commented, “This is the busiest I’ve been all year. Many visitors want to explore Shillong after the festival, which means even more work for us.”
Music enthusiasts travelled far and wide to be part of the event. Sixty-three-year-old Anil Kumar from Hyderabad shared his excitement, saying, “I’ve been a fan of Boney M since the ’70s. Hearing them perform Rivers of Babylon and Sunny live was a dream come true. Shillong was the perfect setting — it felt like being transported to another world.”
The festival particularly appealed to those nostalgic for the ’60s and ’70s, many of whom traveled long distances to witness Boney M one last time. Despite a limited performance duration, the band left a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, Akon’s performance brought a fresh, vibrant energy to the event. Twenty-six-year-old Nisha Tandon from Pune said, “Akon’s songs like Lonely and Beautiful were my teenage anthems. Attending this festival was my chance to relive those memories. Shillong’s beauty and vibe just added to the magic.”
The festival also attracted international visitors, such as Kyoheko from Tokyo, Japan. Speaking from the Japanese Arena, he said, “Cherry blossoms are integral to Japanese culture, symbolising beauty and renewal. Shillong, with its breathtaking landscapes and warm people, reminded me of home. The festival blends music and nature in a truly special way.”
The event evoked strong emotions for many attendees. Sixty-eight-year-old Mary Kharshiing from Shillong said, “Hearing Boney M live took me back to my youth. It was emotional and uplifting to see people of all ages enjoying their music together.”
Younger locals were equally enthusiastic, expressing pride in Shillong’s growing reputation as a cultural hub. “This festival has put our city on the map,” said college student Iba Thangkhiew. “I hope more events like this happen here.”
However, a common point of dissatisfaction among attendees was the traffic chaos. Even disco legends Boney M were caught in the jam, delaying their performance.