Over one lakh tourists are expected to participate in the upcoming three-day Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya to be held at RBDSA Sports Complex, Bhoirymbong, from November 17 to 19.
Informing this, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said: “We are expecting huge benefits for the tourism industry in the state through this festival.”
“There will be a footfall of 30,000 visitors per day which means that by the end of the event, we would have one lakh visitors. Ninety per cent of these visitors are expected to be tourists from outside both domestic as well as international travellers,” he said.
Stating that the festival will to a great extent benefit the local artists and performers of the state, Lyngdoh said: “Our local bands and solo performers will be sharing and rubbing shoulders with the best in the world.”
The headliner line-up for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 includes internationally acclaimed sensations such as Ne-Yo, Ronan Keating, Sanam, Jonas Blue, SURL, Pink Panda, Kenny Musik and an array of local talents, including Meba Ofilia, Lou Majaw, Blue Temptation, and many more credible artists from Shillong and Northeast India.
Ne-Yo, the Grammy Award-winning R&B artist known for his chart-topping hits, and Ronan Keating, the iconic voice behind timeless classics, will ensure that the musical experience is nothing short of a magical experience. Sanam, the YouTube sensation and heartthrob, will steal hearts with his melodious tunes, while Jonas Blue and Pink Panda will keep the energy scary with their electrifying performances. The local artists will add their distinctive flavours, creating a harmonious blend of musical talent that is unique to the essence of Shillong.
But the festival doesn’t stop at music! It has a wide range of activities to cater to all interests. From cosplay competitions that celebrate the spirit of fantasy and imagination to the Miss and Mr Cherry Blossom Pageant where the essence of beauty and grace will be recognized. The choir contest will fill the air with harmonious melodies, and the graffiti contest and art installation contest will transform the festival grounds into an open-air art gallery.
For the thrill-seekers, there’s the Ferris wheel to get a breathtaking view of the festival grounds and the city. And if you crave an adrenaline rush, try the zipline, which will send you soaring through the festival atmosphere creating an unforgettable experience like never before.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and music that is unparalleled in the Northeast of India. With its new multi-stage layout at the RBDSA Sports Complex, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, better, and more unforgettable than ever before.
