The coronavirus pandemic has forced the organisers to cancel Meghalaya’s India International Cherry Blossom Festival, but it couldn’t stop the pretty pink flowers from blooming in countless numbers. With the onset of Autumn, the idyllic expanses of Shillong in north-east India have turned dreamlike with hundreds and thousands of pink cherry blossoms. The flowers are expected to be in full bloom by early November. These cherry blossoms are known as Prunus cerasoides and during autumn, they take over the east and west stretches of Khasi hills. Cherry blossom festivals are also famous in Paris and Japan. Japan’s cherry blossom festival, Hanami was streamed online this year to nature lovers worldwide.
Pink Cherry Blossoms Have Taken Over Shillong’s Hilly Stretches
Shillong, the Scotland of the East, is known all over the world for its breathtaking scenic beauty. Thanks to its rolling mountains, lush green flora, lively streams, magnificent caves, terraced plantations and more, this north-eastern hill station in Meghalaya, India has been on the bucket list of every nature lover. Come October, the pretty pink cherry blossoms have started blooming all over again, making the Meghalayan city look even more marvellous. The buds have already come out, and the flowers are expected to be in full bloom by early November.
Last year, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong was held from 13th to 16th November. This year, due to the pandemic, the festival stands cancelled. But you can still visit Shillong to feast your eyes on the picturesque expanses dressed in pink.
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Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival Got Cancelled This Year
Meghalaya’s India International Cherry Blossom Festival is not taking place this year. But you can still plan a trip to Shillong to witness the splendid cherry blossom flowers. To fly to Shillong now, you will require a negative COVID-19 report ( RT-PCR report or negative rapid antigen test), not older than 72 hours of boarding the flight. It is also mandatory for travellers to install Aarogya Setu app on phones, apart from wearing masks and using sanitizers.
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Every year, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong hosts a plethora of events like fitness art, fashion show, dog show, archery competition, painting competition, rock concerts and much more. This time, the pomp and fervour of the festival will be missed. But the splendour of the flowers can definitely be enjoyed. Even if you’re not able to visit Shillong to view the cherry blossoms up and close, you can surely find pictures, videos and more of the flower-clothed stretches on social media platforms. Meanwhile, enjoy this virtual tour of Shillong from the comfort of your couch:
