Stage set for Meghalaya to host Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival

Shillong: The stage is set for Meghalaya to host the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 with an eclectic line up of musicians from around the world to perform, including Ronan Keating and Ne-Yo.

The streets and lanes of this picturesque hill station are draped in pink and white Cherry Blossom trees.

Domestic and international tourists are setting their eyes yet again as Meghalaya celebrates nature and art together with the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry.

“There will be a footfall of 30,000 visitors per day which means that by the end of the event we would have one lakh visitors. 90 per cent of these visitors are expected to be tourists from outside, both domestic as well as international travellers,” Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said.

This year, the event will be held at RBDSA Sports complex in Madan Kurkalang, Ri-Bhoi district from November 17 to 19. This event in the past was all held in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong.

However, the festival is mirred into controversy with certain pressure groups under the banner of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Ri-Bhoi, opposing the decision to conclude the Cherry Blossom Festival on a Sunday.

But the Conrad Sangma-led government has directed the organisers of the Festival to commence the programme planned for November 19 after church service, following objections to its conclusion on a Sunday.

“This was not intentional (to conclude the event on Sunday). We have asked the organisers to start the event after 3 pm following the church service for this time. I appeal to everyone to remain calm, and next year, we will plan to calculate the date accordingly to ensure everyone’s satisfaction,” Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Prestone Tynsong said.

Notably, a similar situation arose in 2011 when the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) faced intense opposition for their decision to wrap up the Shillong Autumn Festival on a Sunday. Nevertheless, the festival proceeded as planned.

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and music, and this year’s edition is having an unforgettable medley of pop stars and DJs.

The artistes performing on the first day of the festival, November 17 – Sanam, Hybrid Theory, SURL, Kenny Musik, 4th Element, The Band Phantasm, DBRYN, Gwyneth, Dalariti, CYCO, Aminio, Dr Legend, Chevinia.

The artistes set to thrill the crowd on the second day include American singer NE-YO, Meba Ofilia, Pink Panda, Snow White, Rahul Rajkhowa, Street Stories – Banjop, Empirical Tribe – Tenny, Zethan, Ricaa Stella, Banker Kharkongor.

The last day of the festival will witness the much-anticipated performance from former Boyzone vocalist Ronan Keating, Jonas Blue, Lou Majaw, Blue Temptation, Da Minot, Nokpante, Rhem, Favian, Wanjop Sohkhlet, Banrap, Youngg Nate, Meban, Lamphrang, Toshan.

Located along National Highway 40, the route to ease traffic during Cherry Blossom Festival will be along the Guwahati Shillong Road, Mawiong-ISBT Bypass and Mawdiangdiang Bypass. (UNI)