Known for its sparkling waterfalls, manicured gardens, azure lakes, and rich culture, Shillong is a breathtaking hill station nestled amidst the paradisaical hills of Garo and Khasi. The Cherry Blossom Festival In Shillong exemplifies the significance of the natural beauty and rich heritage of Meghalaya to the cultural identity of its people. Cherry Blossom trees blooming in November are the centre of attention. The deliciously fragrant pink and white petals embellish the entire city with a magical atmosphere that enchants all visitors. The cultural fiesta also includes a showcase of indigenous art forms and dances along with your favourite pop, rock, EDM, and rap artists performing will leave you dreamy-eyed.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival History
Shillong’s relationship with Cherry Blossoms is a recent one. The first edition of this much-beloved festival took place in 2016 through the efforts of the state government of Meghalaya and the Institute of Bio Resources & Sustainable Development. This was a move to encourage the celebration of folk art forms, including local dance forms, songs, storytelling, theatre, and art, and admiration of the aesthetic exquisiteness of the cherry blossom flowers. Even as the festival is less than a decade old, its roots can be traced back to the 70s.
It was in 1975 that the erstwhile Conservator of Forests in Meghalaya, BN Das, proposed that a great number of trees be planted in and around the hill station to improve the ecological balance as well as the natural splendour of the place. Both November blooming and January blooming varieties of cherry trees were planted. The cherry plant was chosen because of its sturdiness, natural compatibility with the local soil & atmosphere, and for its pastel-pink loveliness. This led to a significant number of cherry trees being planted, beautifying the state and birthing the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival.
Ever since 2016, the city has seen a great influx of tourists visiting to experience this beautiful phenomenon for themselves—the daily footfall is believed to be in the tens of thousands. Cherry Blossom Festivals are celebrated in many parts of the world, but they are usually held in spring. The festival in Shillong is the first Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in the world due to the flowering season falling in November.
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Music Festival
Even as the flowering cherry trees make for a heavenly display across the district, the festival is more than just flowers. The most popular aspect of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong is perhaps the music festival with a mindblowing lineup of some of the most talented & your favourite singer-songwriters, rappers, and DJs. Indian as well as international artists perform in a stadium-sized arena full of fans. Top voices from Bollywood music as well as international sensations including K-pop artists and American superstars show their vocal prowess and their discography in the 2-day festival. You will also find local artists in the lineup which will help widen your horizons and taste in diverse music styles & genres.
This year’s lineup includes the legendary Akon, who has not only delivered rap hits like Beautiful Day, Right Now, and Lonely, but also sung the iconic Chamak Challo featured in the SRK-starrer film Ra-one. The R&B group Boney M are bringing their viral sensation song Rasputin to the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. Turn the party all the way up with performances by Kanika Kapoor and Jasleen Royal who have given us bangers like Baby Doll, Chittiyan Kalaiyan, Heeriye, and Nachde Ne Saare. For the K-pop heads, Lucas of the SM supergroup SuperM is here. The festival is not missing the chance to platform local artists from Meghalaya either by championing performances like The Great Society and Jessie Lyngdoh. For a detailed breakdown of the lineup, visit the festival’s official website.
Festivities and Cultural Programmes
Besides music, the Cherry Blossom Festival is also a celebration of the glorious cultural heritage of Shillong and the state of Meghalaya. The festivities include various events, from pageant and traditional dances performed in customary attire to literary competitions, cosplay contests, and more. Marvel at the different folk dances, including Shad Suk Mynsiem’s graceful presentation and the lively Shad Nongkrem. Participate more directly by challenging yourself to graffiti competitions, open stage, wine & beer contests, and more in the Games Area.
Savour the mouth-watering cuisine of Shillong and sumptuous hot bowls of soupy deliciousness with its roots in Tibetan culture. The festival grounds feature an array of food stalls and kiosks where Cherry Blossom Festival tourists can indulge in delectable dishes such as Shillong Aloo Muri, Momos, Shillong Smoked Meat, Phan Tungtap. Try out the yummy Pu Tharo, Pu Khlien, and Pu DPh dishes made out of rice with chutneys, fermented rice, and soya bean dough balls. The food says a lot about its people, their beliefs, traditions and their natural surroundings. It marks identity as well as a people’s history.
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Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival Time & Dates 2024
So, when is the cherry blossom festival in Shillong? The festival takes place at the same time each year, in November. The exact dates can vary yearly; however, in 2024 it is being organised on the 15th and 16th of November. The weather at this time of the year is pleasant, with a primarily dry climate and minimal humidity and rainfall. The cherry blossoms are ripening to perfect pinks, decorating the place with gentle splashes of elegance & fragrance. The music festival is being organised at the RBDSA Sports Complex in Shillong, lasting 10 hours, starting at 2 pm. The Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong 2024 ticket price starts at INR 1899, so grab your tickets from the official online vendors and get ready for the time of your life.
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How To Reach Shillong
By Air: The nearest Shillong airport is in Umrai, about 35 km from the city centre. The airport has excellent connectivity across India, and you can take a flight from any major city like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. Once you reach Umrai, you can take a bus, auto or cab to Shillong. You will find that the roads are well-maintained and the journey is quite pleasant with scenic views around you. It typically takes about an hour to reach your destination.
By Road: If you travel from nearby cities, you can use the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses for easy movement to Shillong.
By Train: Shillong does not have a railway station. The nearest connection is the Guwahati Railway Station, located about 135 km away. You can easily take cabs and buses from the station to Shillong.
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Considered the Scotland of the East, Shillong is defined by natural and cultural beauty worth exploring and planning a trip to! With the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong being celebrated in November, the place becomes even more attractive and offers visitors an experience like no other. The live music festival, lovely atmosphere with cherry blossoms in the air, and festive folk performances make for memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your trip to Shillong and rediscover the fun-loving teenager in you.
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Cover Image Credit: Japanpanther for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Blossom Festival In Shillong
When can one see cherry blossoms in Shillong?
Every year during the fall season, in late October and throughout November, you can see the fleeting and momentary beauty of the white and pink cherry blossoms.
What is the entry fee for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong?
Tickets for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival start at INR 1899, and the most expensive full-access VIP two-day passes with the best seats are priced at INR 14999.
When did the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong start?
The first edition of this much-beloved festival took place in 2016, thanks to the efforts of the state government of Meghalaya and the Institute of Bio Resources & Sustainable Development.
Why is the Cherry Blossom Festival famous?
The festival celebrates the natural beauty of cherry blossoms and expresses appreciation for local culture, folk art, and indigenous ways of being. The music festival in Shillong is one of the best, with great lineups, which also contributes to its popularity.
Which month is best to visit Shillong?
Avoid the monsoon season when visiting Shillong, as heavy rainfalls can ruin your plans. The fall months of October to November are the best time to visit the destination. The additional bonus of the Cherry Blossoms Festival in November is another attraction.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
