Correspondent
SHILLONG, November 14, 2019: 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.
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
Sangma also said that his government is trying to build right infrastructures so that tourists can have the right experience.
Forest and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui who also spoke on the occasion said that while the cherry blossom tree blooms nothing can match it.
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.
“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.