The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually in the heart of Meghalaya’s capital, is a magical celebration of nature’s beauty and vibrant culture. Each November, the city is adorned with soft pink cherry blossoms, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking canvas. What's fascinating is that while Japan is globally renowned for its cherry blossoms, Shillong boasts its own species, the Prunus cerasoides, which blooms months before its Japanese counterparts.
This unique festival not only offers stunning views but is also a melting pot of art, music, and traditional North East Indian culture. Attendees can immerse themselves in live music performances, ranging from local folk bands to international artists, and explore art installations that capture the region’s rich heritage. Visitors can also savor authentic local delicacies like Jadoh, a Khasi dish made of rice and pork, alongside international food stalls.
The festival is eco-friendly, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness with activities like tree-planting drives and clean-up campaigns, making it more than just a cultural extravaganza. Did you know that cherry blossoms have a symbolic connection to renewal and hope? The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival not only celebrates nature but also fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for the environment.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover, or someone seeking to witness the magic of cherry blossoms without leaving India, this festival promises an unforgettable experience, blending Shillong’s natural beauty with the spirit of celebration.
History of Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival started to be celebrated in Shillong to display the beauty of the Himalayan cherry blossom ether and various other cultural events. These natural beauties are considered a gift from the Himalayas and also a sign of good luck. They usually grow across the eastern and western Khasi hills.
In India, cherry blossom or prunus ciraside is also known as wild Himalayan cherry and sour cherry, also known as Padam, pajja, or Padma Latha in Hindi. It is considered sacred by the Hindus of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and is associated with Vishnu and Shiva. The petals are used to make wreaths from wild citrus fruits and are placed on the prayer altar during Maha Shivaratri. Petals are also used as incense.
In Buddhism, cherry blossom refers to the transient nature of life. Since the cherry tree blooms for a week or two, they symbolize the fragile essence of existence. The cherry blossoms are beautiful and vibrant, much like life, yet fleeting. The attraction of the young lady has been associated with flowers.
The cherry blossom of the Rosaceae family, also known as Prunus cerasoides, is called Dyingling in Khasi. This deciduous, medium hardwood can grow up to 1200-2400 m in height and up to 30 m in height. One of the most versatile trees in the Himalayan range, it also grows as a structure tree for restoring evergreen forests in arid tropical lands.
The opening ceremony of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Shillong, was held on 14th November 2016 at Polo Ground. Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma declared the festival open.
Highlights of Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
Entertainment Galore. The festival features live music gigs, a beauty contest, and stalls displaying local cuisine, wine, art, and crafts.
Lip-smacking Delicacies. Travelers can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms and excellent dining at Wards Lake. Some of the most amazing dishes are served at the festival to give visitors a taste of local cuisines.
Rock Concert. In addition, a rock concert with unplugged Western music and dance performances from all over Northeast India make people groove on foot-tapping music. The event will also feature choir performances, bicycle rallies, and storytelling sessions.
Unparalleled Beauty. Meghalaya starts looking like a painting with beautiful shades of pink and purple right from the start of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. During this time, the hills of Shillong blossomed with pink flowers, as if its panoramic landscape was painted in rhythmic colours. In Shillong, the festival is held at various venues, namely Polo 5th Ground, Golf Course, Ward's Lake, State Convention Center, JN Stadium, and Indoor Stadium Polo.
Boat Trip. The biggest way to see the delicate flowers is to take a boat trip to Wards Lake. Wards Lake, one of Shillong's most fascinating attractions, offers beautiful wooden bridges, verdant slopes, and sculptured gardens. It has turned out to be one of the most popular recreational destinations for residents and visitors alike.
A Visit to Polo Ground. Shillong can claim the Polo Ground, one of the greatest sports stadiums in India, where the Cherry Blossom Festival is held in the second half.
A Trip to Shillong Golf Course. Another great place to see cherry blossoms in Shillong is Shillong Golf Course. Located in the heart of the city, this 18-hole golf course is within the pine trees' boundaries, a favorite destination for leisure. Mountaineering and walking in the beautiful, serene, verdant meadows are popular here. Visitors can even bring their golf clubs to play in amateur golf events held as part of the festival.
If you have never experienced cherry blossoms in full bloom, this is a great time of year to see them and take part in the fun festival. Start a magical road trip in and around Shillong during this time. This is the best way to experience the festival and its vibrancy.
How to reach Cherry Blossoms Festival, Shillong
Shillong in Meghalaya is a beautiful destination, known for its amazing natural attractions, different events, festivals, culture, heritage, and more. The place can be accessed using diverse means of transport. Since many tourists visit Shillong, diverse transportation options are available to make the journey pleasant and hassle-free.
- Nearest Major City. Shillong
- Nearest Airport. Umroi Airport near Barapani.
- Nearest Railbase. Guwahati Railway Station
- Distance from Shillong Airport. 30 Km
By Air
Shillong doesn't have an airport. Hence Umroi Airport near Barapani serves as the nearest airport to this beautiful city. There are regular flights from prominent Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc. After deboarding, passengers can hire a taxi from outside the airport for onward journeys to the venue of Cherry Blossoms Festival.
- Distance from Umroi Airport. 30.7 km
By Train
You can reach Shillong through direct trains to Guwahati Railway Station in the NorthEast Frontier Zone. However, it is connected through limited train service.
- Distance from Guwahati Railway Station. 96.3 km
By Road
Shillong is well connected through state and national highways. Several Meghalaya Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation buses are available between the two cities. You can board private buses or hire private cabs or taxis. You can also consider reaching Shillong by car.
- Distance from Tura. 306.4
- Distance from Guwahati. 99.7 km
- Distance from Hajo. 128 km
- Distance from Morigaon. 138.5 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1127.6 km
- Distance from Mumbai. 2842 km
Conclusion
Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong is a magical celebration of nature's beauty and local culture. The charming pink blossoms transform the city into a visual wonder, creating moments of awe and renewal. Beyond the stunning scenery, the festival brings the community together with traditional music, dance, and delicious local food. It's a unique experience that captures the heart of Shillong, showcasing the perfect blend of nature and culture. Don't miss this enchanting event if you want to witness the special charm that makes Shillong truly extraordinary.
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FAQs Related to Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
Q1. What is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival?
A1. The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held in Shillong, Meghalaya, celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms. It features cultural programs, music, food, and art, set against the backdrop of pink blossoms in November.
Q2. When does the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival take place?
A2. The festival usually takes place in mid to late November, coinciding with the bloom of cherry blossoms in Shillong.
Q3. Where is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival held?
A3. The festival is held across various locations in Shillong, including the iconic Ward’s Lake, Polo Grounds, and other nearby venues that showcase the blooming cherry trees.
Q4. What activities can I enjoy at the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival?
A4. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, art exhibitions, food stalls featuring local cuisine, traditional cultural shows, and even participate in eco-friendly activities like tree-planting and clean-up drives.
Q5. How do I get to Shillong for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
A5. The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport, about 30 km away, or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 120 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Shillong.
Q6. Is there an entry fee for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival?
A6. Most of the festival's events are free to attend, although some special concerts or performances may require tickets.
Q7. What is the best time of day to view the cherry blossoms?
A7. The cherry blossoms are best viewed during daylight hours, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the pink hues of the flowers.
Q8. Are there accommodation options near the festival venues?
A8. Yes, there are several hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Shillong catering to various budgets. It’s advisable to book in advance as the festival attracts many visitors.
Q9. Is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival family-friendly?
A9. Absolutely! The festival has a variety of activities suitable for all age groups, including cultural performances, nature walks, and children-friendly programs.
Q10. What makes the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival unique?
A10. The festival is unique because it showcases cherry blossoms in India, particularly in Shillong, long before Japan’s cherry blossom season. It blends natural beauty with vibrant cultural and musical events, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the North East.
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