SHILLONG, Oct 22: The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya is set to take place in November, with Japan designated as the partner country. An official statement released on Monday emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting the resemblance between the cherry blossoms in Meghalaya and those in Japan, a similarity acknowledged by the Japanese Ambassador during his visit to the region last year.
Festival-goers will have the chance to experience Japanese culture and heritage through a dedicated stall at the event. The tradition of ‘Hanami’ (Cherry Blossom) has been celebrated in Japan for over a millennium, while the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, first launched in 2016, is recognized as the world’s inaugural autumn cherry blossom festival.
Since its inception, the festival has attracted visitors from across India and beyond, with last year’s event achieving record attendance. Organizers expect this year’s festival to be even more grandiose, themed ‘Year of Legends,’ featuring prominent artists and cultural exchanges.
Scheduled for November 15 and 16, the festival will kick off with an exciting musical lineup on the first day, featuring Boney M as part of their Farewell Tour, along with Jasleen Royal and international star Lucas.
The second day will be headlined by Akon during his Superfan Tour, with performances from Kanika Kapoor, local talents like Rito Riba, Queen Sensation, Khasi Bloodz, and various artists from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), ensuring a delightful mix of international and regional music.
