{"id":12312,"date":"2022-09-23T18:24:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T12:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savaari.com\/blog\/?p=12312"},"modified":"2024-10-24T18:25:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T12:55:18","slug":"cherry-blossom-in-shillong-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savaari.com\/blog\/cherry-blossom-in-shillong-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival – India’s pink paradise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Imagine travelling along a wonderful fairytale-like lane lined by a thousand cherry blossom trees, each laden with piles of luscious pink petals, towering tall against the deep blue sky. A vision of a sea of exquisite pink cherry blossoms is sure to flood your mind. Such is the enchantment of cherry blossoms, or Sakura as they are known in Japan. The cherry blossom festival in Japan, which typically occurs in late March or early April, heralds the arrival of spring by painting the landscape in beautiful pink hues. Every year, travellers rush to Japan to witness the Sakura blossom and marvel at its splendour. But did you know that you don’t have to travel to Japan to experience the charming sight of cherry blossoms? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cherry Blossom Tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While cherry blossom trees bloom in the spring throughout the world, Meghalaya’s capital Shillong wears the dainty colours of cherry blossoms in the fall, transforming the East Khasi Hills into a floral wonderland. Shillong, regarded as the “Scotland of the East,”<\/strong> is famous throughout the world for its spectacular natural beauty.<\/strong> This north-eastern hill station in Meghalaya, India, has been on the bucket list of every nature lover owing to its rolling mountains, rich green vegetation, vivacious streams, terraced plantations, and more. In November, the hillsides of Shillong are aburst with pink flowers, like a painting with whimsical colours dotting its panoramic landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Also read: Dawki \u2013 A Divine Discovery<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cherry Blossom Significance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Buddhism, the cherry blossom signifies the fleeting nature of life.<\/strong> Since the cherry tree blooms for a week or two, they symbolise the fragile essence of existence. Cherry blossoms are lovely and vivid, much like life, yet they are ephemeral. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flowers have also been linked to the attractiveness of a young woman<\/strong>. For Japanese Samurais, soldiers, and gangsters, <\/strong>the blooms are a sign of life’s transitory splendour.<\/strong> Cherry blossoms are also a sign of good fortune<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Heian Period (794\u20131185), Emperor Saga, Japan’s 52nd emperor, established the custom of hanami<\/em> parties in the Imperial Court in Kyoto, when aristocrats would meet under the trees to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms. This practice is carried on in modern Japan when the entire country gathers for a large outdoor event once the cherry blossoms bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cherry blossom or prunus cerasoides<\/em> is known as wild Himalayan cherry and sour cherry in English and Padam, pajja, or padmakashtha in Hindi. It is deemed sacred by Hindus in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and is linked with Vishnu and Shiva. The petals are used to create a wreath with wild citrus fruits and placed at the prayer altar during Maha Shivaratri. Their petals are also utilised as incense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 202<\/strong>4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cherry
Cherry Blossom Festival in India | Picture credits: India Times<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shillong<\/strong> will be celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival <\/strong>from 15-16th November<\/strong> to commemorate seasonal blossoming<\/strong> and indulge in leisure.<\/strong> Meghalaya recognizes the annual Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival<\/strong> as one of its most vivid<\/strong> and colourful festivals. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This event began in 2016. It is organized annually by the State Government and features a wealth of events such as live music, dancing contests, pageants and various cultural kiosks. These kiosks represent various provinces of Meghalaya through cuisine, wine, arts and crafts. One can also witness musical performances, bicycle rallies, and storytelling sessions at the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to expect from Shillong Cherry Blossom 2024<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two-day Shillong Cherry Blossom 2024 festival promises an exciting musical experience, featuring an impressive line-up of both international and Indian artists. This year\u2019s headliners include global music sensations like Akon, Boney M, R3HAB, Queen Sensation, and Korn Sk,<\/strong> alongside popular Indian talents like Jasleen Royal and Kanika Kapoor.<\/strong> Local favorites such as Great Society and Jessie Lyngdoh will also perform at the Cherry Blossom 2024 festival at RBDSA sports complex<\/strong>. The cherry blossom festival in India truly brings together a mix of global and local sounds, making it a must-attend event. If you’re looking to experience the best of music and nature, the India Cherry Blossom festival is the place to be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shillong Cherry Blossom 2024 concert schedule:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Friday, 15th November 2024 Headliners:<\/strong> BONEY M | JASLEEN ROYAL | LUCAS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday, 16th November 2024 Headliners:\u00a0<\/strong>AKON | R3HAB | KANIKA KAPOOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the Weekend: <\/strong>Arpan, Aben, Banshan & Lily Sawian,\u00a0Dewprops, ESC, Jessie Lyngdoh, Khasi Bloodz, Korn SK, Queen Sensation, Reble, The Big DJ Set, The Great Society, Wanbhaa and many more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Experience Cherry Blossoms in Shillong<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cherry
Cherry Blossom Festival in India <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve never experienced cherry blossoms, this is an excellent time of year to see them and participate in the fun festivities<\/strong>. Embark on an enchanting road trip<\/strong> in and around Shillong<\/strong> during the blooming of the cherry blossoms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ward\u2019s Lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ward's
Cherry Blossom Festival in India | Ward’s Lake in Shillong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the greatest ways to see the exquisite blossoms flowers is to take a boat trip on Ward’s Lake. Ward’s Lake, one of Shillong’s most appealing attractions, offers a lovely wooden bridge, lush slopes, and sculpted gardens, making it a popular recreational destination for residents and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to reach Ward’s Lake<\/strong><\/gwmw><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The nearest railway station is in Guwahati and the closest airport to Ward’s Lake in Shillong is the Shillong Airport. You can book a taxi from Guwahati<\/a> or book a taxi from Shillong Airport to Ward’s Lake to ensure a smooth transfer. The distance between the Shillong airport and Ward’s Lake is about 31.3 km. And if you plan to roam and need a taxi, book our Shillong cab service for a comfortable travel<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Polo Ground<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shillong can lay claim to one of India’s most magnificent sports stadiums<\/strong>, Polo Ground<\/strong>, where the second half of the cherry blossom festivities <\/strong>take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to reach Polo Ground<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The closest airport to Polo Ground in Shillong is the Shillong Airport. You can book a taxi from Shillong Airport <\/strong>to Polo Ground <\/strong>to ensure a smooth transfer<\/a>. The distance between the Shillong airport and Polo Ground is about 24.4 km.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Shillong Golf Course<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Cherry
Cherry Blossom Festival in India | Shillong Golf Course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another great place to see cherry blossoms in Shillong is the Shillong Golf Course. <\/strong>This 18-hole golf course<\/strong> in the middle of the city is a favourite destination for leisure<\/strong>, nestled amid a border of pine trees<\/strong>. Long hikes<\/strong> and strolls<\/strong> in the beautiful, vast meadows<\/strong> are popular here. Visitors can even bring their golf clubs <\/strong>to play in the amateur golf event,<\/strong> held as part of the festival<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to reach Shillong Golf Course<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The closest airport to Shillong Golf Course is the Shillong Airport. You can book a taxi from Shillong Airport to Shillong Golf Course to ensure a smooth transfer. The distance between Shillong Airport and Shillong Golf Course is about 30.8 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Points to keep in mind while attending Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cherry Blossom Festival in India <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n