India’s Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong: Know It All

If there were no
cherry blossoms
in this world
How much more tranquil
our hearts would be in spring.
– Ariwara no Narihira —

True, Cherry Blossoms are a thing of joy in Spring. But, in India, when the rest of the country shed leaves in autumn, Shillong in Meghalaya prepares to turn itself into a glorious pink paradise with cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Cherry Blossom Shade around Shillong

Cherry Blossom Shade around Shillong

Meghalaya wears different shades in different seasons. One such unique shade is the charming pink of the pre-winter Cherry Blossoms in the Khasi Hills of Shillong. The scenic beauty of this hill station acts as a perfect backdrop to the beauty of the cherry blossoms. 

Come November, the state capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, will host the second edition of Cherry Blossom Festival. The four-day event will be held in four different venues – Ward’s Lake, Polo Ground, JN Stadium, and Tara Ghar (Opp. Ward’s Lake). This is the best opportunity for anyone to witness Shillong when it wears a charming veil of pink.

Ward's Lake

Ward’s Lake

According to The Shillong Times, the India International Cherry Blossom Festival is organized by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a national institute under the Department of Biotechnology, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M. Sangma told The Shillong Times, “The government has planted thousands of cherry blossom trees which are lined up inside beautiful bamboo trees for protection”.

Festival highlights:

You can look forward to, planting of Cherry saplings, Cherry Blossom Run, guided night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms, cultural programmes, cycle and bike rally, regional, fashion shows, beauty pageants, painting competitions, Japanese Cultural Extravaganza, live music gigs, and stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts and crafts of the region. Now that’s a plethora of activities to engage yourselves in!

Evening with Tourists

Evening with Tourists

Goals and Achievements!

Shillong made history by hosting the first Cherry Blossom Festival that had attracted large group of travelers. This year the scale is expected to rise even higher with huge domestic as well as international footfall. Hundreds of these trees can be seen lined up along the wards lake and around the capital, all thanks to the efforts of the patrons. The state is giving its due recognition to the beautiful cherry blossoms in India. The idea is to lend an aesthetic appeal to the place and lure more tourists and continue to do so.

Good to Know:

1.Touted as the World’s only Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival. While in other countries the cherry trees flower in March-June, whereas, in Meghalaya it blossoms in November.

2.The aim of cherry blossom festival is to attract tourism.

3.The Himalayan cherry trees are aplenty in Shillong.

How to Reach Shillong:

You can easily access Shillong from the Guwahati Airport. A smooth and beautiful drive of 3 hours from the airport will bring you to the beautiful hill station.

Need we say more, peace, prosperity and tranquility of the picturesque Shillong awaits you to its radiant pink and white paradise in November. Now you don’t have to go all the way to Japan to pursuit the mesmerizing cherry blossoms, as you have the opportunity to enjoy the same in the northeastern region of India, in Meghalaya.

We would highly recommend you to add “Cherry Blossom Festival” to your travel cards if you wish to bring back home a sliver of nature in your memories.

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

What: India International Cherry Blossom Festival

When: November 

Pin It

Comments are closed.