Who knew India had a little slice of Japan in our very own city Shillong? Yes, you heard that right!
We all know about the Cherry blossom festival- commonly known as Sakura Matsuri in Japan. It’s that time of the year when the city turns pink making it feel no less than a fairytale.
But here is the twist!
Now we no longer have to spend lakhs of rupees travelling to Japan to witness this breathtaking festival. The hills of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya too drape themselves in the hues of pink and white every year in the month of November, creating a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere during the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival With Arbii tourism
The origin of this festival dates back to the 8th century AD , during Japan’s Nara period. What began as an appreciation of nature has now become a
beloved tradition, known as Hanami which literally means “flower viewing”.
It is a long-standing tradition that interestingly started as viewing plum blossoms(ume), and not cherry blossoms, but it later got associated with the delicate
.and fleeting sakura (cherry blossom).
The festival signifies the arrival of spring, renewal, and the beauty of new life. But this festival has deep philosophical meaning beyond just aesthetics,
particularly in relation to Buddhist teachings.
This short-lived blossom symbolizes the impermanence of life (mujō), which urges the people to cherish every moment of life in the
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival.
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In the month of November, the hills of Shillong witness a full bloom of cherry blossom trees, painting the city in beautiful shades of pink and white. Shillong not only celebrates the natural beauty of cherry blossoms but also the cultural richness of the region. It is more than just a visual treat.
Although the festival officially began in the year 2016, in India. The residents of Shillong have already been enjoying this natural wonder for years.
What was once admired by the locals is now gaining global recognition, joining the ranks of cherry blossom celebrations in places like Thailand, South Korea, and of course, Japan.
The elevation of Shillong (1500 m above sea level) and the temperate climate, makes it ideal for the cherry blossom trees to thrive.
It is the only city in the country where these delicate flowers bloom in autumn, making Shillong an unexpected pink paradise!
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The festival is not just about witnessing the beauty of nature but there is more to it than that. The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival lasts for two to three days. Each day you get to experience various events like cultural exchanges, live music, dance performances, local beverage and wine tasting, photography contests and much more. There’s a lot of fun that you can experience here.
One of the biggest highlights of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is that both local as well as international artists take part, performing different genres and taking the festival to the next level. Visitors also get to watch local dance troupes perform on regional songs showcasing the rich culture of Meghalaya. The lively beats and colorful costumes just add up to the festive mood.
From rock and pop to folk and fusion the Shillong festival just has everything, making this festival a global event. It's not just a show, it's an experience all together where everyone takes a part. The tourists also groove and sing along with the performers.
Besides the music and dance, what makes the cherry blossom festival irresistible is its food. Tourists get to savour the authentic Meghalayan dishes and not just that—you can also taste cuisines from other parts of India and around the world. It's a culinary carnival for you.
The food stalls serve spicy curries made from local spices and freshly baked delights. And don’t miss out on the Khasi and Jaintia specialties if you are a foodie. This is your chance to indulge—it will tantalize your taste buds.
The festival also offers the visitors a chance to taste locally brewed wines and traditional beverages of Meghalaya. They usually make wine from local fruits like plum, pineapple and peaches. You are sure to enjoy the taste.
For all the wine lovers out there, you can also interact with the wine makers and learn how they work in the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival while tasting the wine.
But if wine is not your thing, don’t worry! Try something new like their traditional rice beer. It's mild and earthy and is cherished by the native communities of the northeast.
The local artisans also showcase their traditional jewellery, clothing and other handmade products in the festival. Tourists can buy souvenirs from here and promote their hard work. Also for nature lovers, the festival holds photography contests. It's your chance to show off your skills.
To make this festival a continuous success and preserve the natural beauty of the region , the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival also focuses on sustainable practices. This includes responsible waste management , eco friendly transport systems and educating the visitors about preserving the environment.
They also allow the local artisans to display their handmade crafts and local bands to perform in order to promote their talent.Celebrating doesn’t mean we should negatively affect the cultural heritage of Meghalaya. Entertainment should go hand in hand with preserving the environment.
The best time to visit Shillong in full pink bloom is in the month of November. The dates of the festival may vary. The cherry trees start to bloom in late October and reach their peak in early November and may last till December. It's always a good idea to check the official Meghalaya Tourism website or social media handles a few weeks in advance.
If you are planning to visit Shillong then the best time would be during the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. The blossoms are at their peak during the first two weeks of November. It's a feast to the eyes witnessing the city turn pink, enjoying the local food, music , dance and all the fun.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival—India’s very own cherry blossom wonderland! - Contact Arbii tourism
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