NEW DELHI: You  don’t have to travel to Japan or the U.S. to witness the Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s here in India’s North-East. The grandeur of Cherry Blossoms in Autumn this November will be up for a visual treat in Meghalaya as the picturesque North-Eastern State is hosting the 2nd Cherry Blossom Festival from November 8 to 11. 

The Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong will celebrate the flowering in this International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development with several cultural events. Travellers can join night walks under the illuminated cherry blossoms led by volunteers at Ward’s Lake. Alongside, there will be stalls showcasing the region’s food, wind and crafts and Japan Higher Education Fair. 

Organised by the Government of Meghalaya in asosciation with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Cherry Blossom Festival was initiated in May 2015. Talking to mediapersons here, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma said the festival is aimed at giving a boost to the tourism in the State and the North-East region and generate employment for the youth in the tourism sector. 

Cherry Blossom festivals have generated huge employment and revenues for various cities and countries as a large number of visitors from different parts of the world throng Japan, New Zealand and parts of South Korea to witness the Cherry Blossom. In Washington DC alone, festival typically brings more than 1.5 million visitors and brings in 400 million dollars worth of revenue every year. 

“Tourism is one sector which holds great potential for the youth to get employment, India’s diversity and picturesque regions can certainly promote tourism in a big way which in turn can provide jobs to the youth. Government jobs are limited and competition is very stiff, young people have to look for opportunities in other sectors as well,” said Dr. Sangma.