Cherry Blossom Festival in India: Shillong Festival

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Feb 15, 2022, 16:20

The cherry blossom (Japanese: 桜; Hepburn: sakura) is the flower of the cherry tree, Prunus serrulata.

It is a flowering deciduous tree that grows wild in the mountainous regions of Japan. The cherry blossom has become a famous symbol of Japan, and the country celebrates the blooming of the trees every year with a national holiday.

The cherry blossom festival in India is a major attraction for the people. It has been celebrated for more than 100 years in Japan. It is held in honour of the flowering of the cherry trees planted across the country. The season for these trees lasts only three to four weeks, so it is celebrated with great pomp and show during this period. The festival also marks the beginning of spring.

When is the Cherry Blossom festival in India?

India's first cherry blossom festival was celebrated in 2016 in Meghalaya. Shillong has been hosting the cherry blossom festival since 14 November 2016.

The Japanese started the event, and the event's central theme is to promote friendship between Japan and India. Travellers can enjoy the beautiful sight of blooming sakura trees with their pink, white and red flowers.

This festival attracts many tourists from all around the world. It is an event to enjoy the beauty of nature and a festive occasion celebrated with great pomp and show.

What is the significance of the cherry blossom festival Shillong?

The cherry blossom season in India is celebrated with parties, and colourful events coincide with Japan's fall festivals. Meghalaya is one of the wettest regions in India and has lush green forests, which are home to many varieties of flowers and plants, including cherry blossoms.

Cherry trees grow wild at high altitudes in the tropical Himalayas and can be spotted around Shillong during spring. The festival aims to attract tourists and boost tourism in the region.

In Japan, it is believed that the way you live your life can echo through the ages. Cherry trees are therefore planted along slopes and near water sources so that their spirits can be reborn into new generations of trees.

How is the Shillong cherry blossom festival celebrated?

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held in the capital city of Meghalaya, India. It is the first cherry blossom festival in the country. It highlights an exhibition that displays various species of different varieties of cherry blossoms from across the globe.

The festival is about cherry blossoms and celebrates its local heritage and culture like dances, music, poetry, and cuisine. In addition, several events are observed apart from the cherry blossoms like Khasi folk music and dances, Japanese traditional dance, etc.

If you have time to visit the state of Meghalaya, especially the capital city of Shillong, then be sure to visit the cherry blossom festival. The sights and experiences are truly unique, and it's something that you need to see once in your life.

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FAQs about Cherry Blossom Festival

  • When was India's first cherry blossom festival celebrated?

First Cherry blossom festival in India was celebrated on 14 November 2016.

  • Which city hosts the cherry blossom festival in India?

Shillong hosts the cherry blossom festival in India every year.

  • Why was the cheery blossom festival cancelled in India in 2020?

Owing to the unprecedented situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and crisis, India's 5th cherry blossom festival was cancelled.