Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024: All You need To Know

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival: The season for pink blooms is drawing close in Meghalaya and the Meghalaya Tourism has announced a comeback of the famous Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. 

The festival is nothing ordinary in Meghalaya. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the year here where music, fashion, literature and culture come together. The Cherry Blossom Festival attracts a lot of tourists from across the world. 

So, why not visit Meghalaya during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong in 2024 and see what it is all about?

Also Read: The Best Shillong Travel Guide

Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong 2024

The India International Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong 2024 is the best of Meghalaya festivals. As per the announcement by Meghalaya Tourism, Cherry Blossom Shillong 2024 will take place from 17th Nov 2024 to 26th Nov 2024.

Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival this year to see India’s biggest music contest and many amazing pre-festival events in a multi-city Indian, Thailand and Malaysian tour along with the international concert and literature festival. An impressive lineup of homegrown and international artists will perform this year.

The Cherry Blossom Shillong festival is the most colourful Meghalayan festival, and remember that the colours are of nature! Along with attending one of the best festivals in the country, you can also explore many places to visit in Shillong on your trip to the northeast.

Also Read: Six Awesome Places to Visit in and Around Cherrapunji

What to expect from the Cherry Blossom Festival?

While the actual start date of the festival is 24th Nov 2024, the celebrations will start with pre-festival events like ‘Road To Cherry Blossom’, a multi-city affair spread across Thailand, Malaysia and India that will take place from 15 to 29 Oct. The Mega Music Contest will take place from 17 to 19 Nov and the Shillong Literary Festival from 21 to 23 Nov. The main event of the Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong 2024 will take place from 24 to 26 Nov.

The festival is huge and you will definitely find more than one event that interests you in Shillong. There are singing competitions, a fashion show, cosplay, the Mr, Miss, and Mrs Shillong Cherry Blossom pageant and local winemaking events. Watch the biggest music festival of India unfold at the event. Let us also tell you to the foodie in you that many food and beverage stalls that sell wine, beer, and Korean and Japanese fare would be there at the festival.

Also Read: Six Awesome Places to Visit in and Around Cherrapunji

History of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong was first introduced by a professor at the Department of Botany, University of Delhi—Dr Sahoo—in November 2016. The festival soon caught attention among locals and tourists alike attracting lakhs of people each year and now the event has evolved into an international affair.

Places in Shillong Where You Can See the Cherry Blossoms 

Here are some places where you might be able to see cherry blossoms during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong: 

• Ward's Lake: This is a popular spot in the heart of Shillong, known for its walking trails, boating, and well-maintained gardens. During the cherry blossom season, which usually occurs around late October to early November, the area around the lake gets adorned with pink and white cherry blossoms.

• Shillong Golf Course: One of the oldest golf courses in India, the Shillong Golf Course is another place where cherry blossoms can be seen. If you are visiting during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong, you have to be at the golf course. The vast expanse of greenery dotted with these blossoms makes for a breathtaking sight.

• Lady Hydari Park: Named after the first lady of the province, Lady Hydari Park is a well-known spot for nature lovers. The park features a mini zoo, a deer park, and beautiful gardens, where cherry blossoms add to the charm during their season.

• Umiam Lake: Although it's a bit outside Shillong, Umiam Lake is worth a visit, especially during the cherry blossom season. The lake's surroundings are enhanced by the blooming flowers, making it a perfect spot for picnics and photography.

• Shillong Peak: Offering panoramic views of the city, Shillong Peak is another location where you might catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms. The drive up to the peak is scenic, and during the blooming season, the route is lined with cherry blossom trees.

The Cherry Blossom Festival recently also won three awards at the WOW Awards Asia that recognises important events in Asia and the Middle East. The awards were the Best Tourism Event, Festival of the Year, and Concert of The Year.

Also Read: Discover The Hidden Wonders of Meghalaya This April with Club Mahindra

If you haven’t explored the northeast yet, you must visit the beautiful region during the Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong 2024 to get the best of both. So, find what motivates you from the amazing festival and book your tickets to Shillong.