SHILLONG: India’s first Cherry Blossom Festival, organised by the State Government in association with the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), concluded on Thursday.
The four-day festival, which commenced on November 14, attracted tourists and locals alike.
A flurry of activities, including cultural programmes, drawing and painting competitions, traditional archery, unplugged musical events, online photo competition, fashion shows, stunt bikers display, cycle rally, rendition of traditional songs of Meghalaya, rock concerts and least to say the well-illuminated Ward’s Lake premises, delighted the visitors who were rendered a truly unique experience.
Night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms, exhibitions and food stalls added to the attraction.
Addressing a gathering on the concluding day, Forest and Environment Minister Clement Marak said the festival has brought happiness and joy to nature lovers and further enhanced the image of the State as “a world class tourist destination”.
He also informed that the festival will be celebrated in a more vibrant and colourful manner in the years to come.
Earlier, Marak also handed over the certificates to the winners of the photography competition organised as part of the the Cherry Blossom festival.
Meanwhile, Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director IBSD, requested the people and the youth in particular, to visit different sites in and around Shillong to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms, which have brought a “pink revolution” in the region.
He also urged people to take up cherry blossom plantation in large numbers through avenue plantation so that the city can celebrate in a grander way in future.
