Every November, Meghalaya’s capital turns into a pink paradise, offering breathtaking blooms
Talk about cherry blossoms and the only place that comes to
mind is Japan and its picturesque lanes overshadowed by plink flowers. But, did you know that our very own country which is rich in its diverse culture and tradition has its own cherry blossoms? Yes, you heard that right.
In God's own country, India, every year in November the quaint city of Shillong which is surrounded by scenic charming hills and beautiful colourful flora and fauna has its very own cherry blossoms.
The Cherry Blossom Festival
In the city, that reminded the British of Scotland due to its rolling hills hence calling it the Scotland of the East, since 2016 every year, during the cold winters of mid-November, the International Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the beautiful blooms.
The festival is organized every year in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, by the Government of Meghalaya in association with the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) to celebrate the unique autumn flowering of the Himalayan cherry blossoms and basically mark the beginning of India's version of autumn.
While the festival allows you to soak in the beauty of these light pink flowers it also hosts sessions of live music, rock concerts, fitness, art, fashion shows, a beauty pageant, disco, martial arts, Japanese cosplay, an amateur golf tournament, stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts and craft of the region and much more to mark the festival. And mind you, all the event happenings are free of cost.
These cherry blossoms also known as the Prunuscerasoides, underline the Himalayas and cover the east and west Khasi hills of Meghalaya. Though they grow in the wild, one can also spot them across the state, especially during this time of the year. And the flowers are expected to continue blooming till the end of November.
You have to see these flowers with your own eyes to understand and absorb their gorgeousness to know how vibrant and lively they are.
