SHILLONG, NOV 13: The 4th Edition of the India International, Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019 began on a grand note in Shillong on Wednesday.
The India International, Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019, celebrates the mass flowering of autumn Himalayan Cherry Blossoms with several cultural events at Shillong from November 13 – 16.
This year’s festival the India International, Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019, is partnering with the Embassy of Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Centre in this International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Visitors can also enjoy, fashion show, rock concerts, a beauty pageant and even compete in an amateur Golf Tournament.
Alongside, there will be stalls showcasing the region’s food, wine and crafts and several Korean Cultural events, including K-Pop concert and stalls featuring Korean Cuisine and Educational Opportunities at South Korea.
The venues for the various event lined up during the festival will be held at – at Polo Fifth Ground, State Central Library, Ward’s Lake, Golf Course and State Convention Centre.
The ambassador of South Korea will be visiting the festival on November 15.
Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma who inaugurated the 4th Edition of the India International, Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019 said that the state has always been a popular destination of tourists and the state government’s endeavour is to the experience of the tourists visiting Meghalaya.
“Today, the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of these measures to give a different feel and experience to tourists,” Sangma said.
According to the Chief Minister, this is a great example of how natural resources and sustainable tourism can be utilised in an effective manner and create value of something which already exists.
He added that the government wants to focus on the state’s natural strength, like its environment and beautiful landscape to enhance the experience of tourists.
Sangma also said that the government wants to ensure that the state get tourists who respect nature.
Speaking of the recent visit made by him and a delegation to Bangladesh to explore trade opportunities with the neighbouring country, the Chief Minister said that his government wants to explore the potentialities of tourism based on the cultural and historical ties between Meghalaya and Bangladesh.
He told the gathering that during their trip to Bangladesh, they visited the jail where Khasi Freedon Fighter, U Tirot Sing was imprisoned and breath his last. They also visited Jaintiapur the winter capital of the erstwhile Jaintia king.
“Our people would love to visit these sites and this is a strong opportunity to built tourism where both sides gain,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma also said that his government is trying to build right infrastructures so that tourists can have the right experience.
He informed that a Laser Light Show in on the anvil at the Ward’s Lake, the view point at Umiam will be further developed and the state government is trying to bring in cable cars so that tourists can see the beauty of the state from a different view point.
Forest and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui who also spoke on the occasion said that while the cherry blossom tree blooms nothing can match it.
“It has caught the imagination of the people all over the world,” Rymbui said.
Dinabandhu Sahoo, who is the brain behind the the India International, Cherry Blossom Festival said that with every edition of the festival the footfall of tourists visiting it has increased.
Sahoo also expressed concern that due to climate change the flowering of the cherry blossom flowers has not been consistent.
“Last year it bloomed by late October and this year in November,” he added.
On the opening day of the 4th Edition of the India International, Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019 Fitness Art, Fashion Show and Nostalgia (Elvis and Beatles show) was held at Polo Fifth Ground, at Ward’s Lake, the Northeast NCC Cultural Jamboree and LG Queen of the Kitchen and Unplugged Western Music was held
By Our Reporter
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