Meghalaya is gifted with a rich season of cherry blossom that occurs in November. The locals plant more than 5000 trees in celebration of this season. This embarks the beginning of the tourist rush in Meghalaya as well because people feel attracted to come and be on the scene for this spectacular appearance of nature. The way the city blooms after the onset of the pink ivory blossoms is the reason why Meghalaya is also called the Pink Blossom City of India. The surrounding looks as if it has been blessed with the anomaly of castles in the air thus making the environment look royally splendid. The internationally famous cherry blossom festival is hosted in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya in the second week of November. People come to experience the unique season of cherry blossom that takes place in autumn from all over the country. The Himalayan cherry trees are in abundance in Shillong. They grow wild and bloom in autumn. The city turns into a beautiful mixed shade of pink and white during autumn with its buds starting to show late in October and the flowers beginning to bloom in the early half of November.
Shillong is an astounding place for cherry blossoms after Japan. It enjoys the unique distinction of having cherry trees that bloom in November, hence making it a wonderful time for tourism to flourish. The city's intricate infrastructure accommodates the entire population in a way that lets the tourists experience every aspect of the city, making Shillong a beautiful hill destination. The trees are planted all over the city especially in wait for this season which makes the entire stretch of the winding streets awash with the fascinating shades of white tinged with pink. Shillong is a beautiful hill destination with a rich culture that makes tourism grow more during the cherry blossom season. The sight of the cherry-coloured flowers in a city makes the sight look as if it’s seventh heaven.
The cherry blossoms are viewed as a gracious contribution from the Himalayas. Their scientific name is known as Prunus Creonides. The Himalayan cherry blossom is primaeval to the region and it's a great thing the state is giving it its due recognition for being aboriginal. They usually grow in the east and west Khasi hills. The gorgeous pink season receives its acknowledgement for its priceless beauty which is worth its weight in gold. Meghalaya became the first state in the world to hold a Cherry Blossom Festival based on local cherry trees which bloom during autumn, November whereas other countries which share the season of cherry blossom often bloom during springtime. Every November, Shillong turns into the belle of the ball as the cherry blossoms cover the city with their pink whitish hue, thus making it easy enough to fall in love with nature’s creation.
The pops of pink marks signify new beginnings. Autumn is known for the beauty that the fall brings along with it. It’s metaphorical for growing by falling. In frailness, the growing cycle gives us maturity and nature provides nourishment to grow again. Cherry blossoms in November allow the city to look easy on the eyes just before the locals experience the cold, chilly winter. The season is associated with peace, hope and love. It also marks the fragility and transience of life. Cherry blossoms are magnificent but hold a short lifespan. They fall a couple of weeks after full bloom, which is a reminder to people that a human’s life is also short, beautiful and meaningful which makes it so easy for a human to connect with the season and wish to witness this gorgeous anomaly.
The florets offer a pastel comfort to the tickled pink essence of the environment which are reflected in the serene beauty of the garden atmosphere. The tranquillity and the exquisiteness of nature are quite enriched in the season of pink hue.
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of peace and optimism. It suggests a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life. Being the national flower of Japan, legend says that fallen cherry blossom petals represented the souls of Japanese samurais with a noble character, who were known to be so brave that they did not fear even death when it faced them. They were martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their emperor. Cherry blossoms are symbolised to sync with human bravery and compassion. Cherry blossoms have a spiritual meaning to them. It was considered to have a rich meaning in Buddhism as it reflected honorable principles that a human is supposed to share in their daily lives. Spiritual meanings and symbolism of cherry tree blossom represent traits such as pleasant and sympathetic, being good, practicing gratitude for the sweetness life offers and that life should be shaped such that it can be worth living. Buddhism highlights the lessons of meditation, honesty, principles, and integrity.
In light of the covid pandemic, the festivals were canceled last year to make sure that people remain safe. The locals enjoyed the beauty of cherry blossom from within their homes. The pandemic affected the festival and tourism strongly. Even though mother earth continued its magic of blossoming the serene flowers in autumn, the joyous events were cancelled and people were asked to refrain from making a visit for the greater good of physical well-being. The income that comes in for the state of Meghalaya via tourism was strongly affected in terms of the state economy. The season was enjoyed privately and quietly by the locals. The sight of the season was just as euphoric. The pandemic may have brought the tourism to a halt, but it could never stop nature from taking its path.
However, with things starting to bloom, there is hope for the festival to return to the way it was.
People gather to eat, drink, and celebrate with a picnic-style party underneath the cherry blossoms. The festivals include musical concerts to enjoy the ambiance and create long-lasting memories, and unplugged western music to sing to.
There are dance performances from all over Northeast culture which make the festival livelier because where there is dance, there is joy. There are beauty pageants, fashion shows held for the locals. There is also a guided night walk under illuminated cherry blossoms which is a tradition followed every year by the locals and the tourists who want to take part in the event which is surrounded by the alluring view of blossomed trees. Kids are motivated to take part in drawing, painting storytelling competitions, which is just a beautiful time for them to express their creativity and enjoy themselves. The festival makes them deliriously happy. There are several contrasting stalls showcasing regions’ food, wine, and crafts.
All in all, it is the most euphoric sight you will witness in your tourism history. Shillong is a beautiful and serene place that one should visit, especially once in their lifetime to be won over by the blushing coral ivory beauty it holds and the celebration that follows in honor of the phenomenon that occurs in November.
Meghalaya is one of the magical ‘seven sisters’ states in the Northeastern part of India. Its meaning is ‘abode of the clouds’ (Megh = Clouds, Alay = Home) Meghalaya is lush green speckled with waterfalls. If you enjoy the offbeat locations, soaking up in nature in its true essence, and are exhilarated by the possibility of adventure then Meghalaya is the place for you.
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