The third edition of India International Cherry Blossom Festival-2018 is currently underway in Shillong. This year the event will be held from November 14 to 17 on Polo 5th Ground as cherry blossoms have painted Shillong into hues of pink. Meghalaya witnesses several cultural events during the unique flowering of Himalayan Cherry Blossoms.

The event which was graced by the Japanese Ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu was inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Talking at the event, Sangma said that the festival has received international attention with the participation of Japan government. He also said that the festival also strengthens their relationship further. Jacaranda Trees Turn Streets of Sydney Into a Purple Haze! See Stunning Pictures of Beautiful Flowers.

Tourists can witness full cherry blooms in Forest Colony, Lawsohtun, Upper Shillong in the areas around Elephant Falls. Visitors can also taste the region's food and wine at a Japanese Food Pavilion and a Higher Education Stall which in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in India. Fashion shows, rock concerts, beauty pageant, amateur Golf Tournament are also part of the festival. Cherry Blossoms in Japan in October! Typhoon and Extreme Weather Sees Rare Early Bloom, View Pics!

Here is the list of events scheduled for the four days of the festival:

These flowering trees are expected to boost tourism in Meghalaya

 

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Flowers lay a pink carpet along streets of Shillong

 

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White cherry trees can also be spotted among the pink ones

 

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@arfi_passah showing us the blossom at the heart of Shillong | state central library | 5 November 2018

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Talking at the inauguration event, Sangma said, "The trees have blossomed three weeks earlier. We can witness 70 per cent of the Cherry Blossom. It will be a great opportunity for the scientists and other people to study the aspect."

 

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@joy_wanderlust gets a lively avenue | 9 nov 2018 | location please

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Every pink lovers' dream

 

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@k.msta_mala captures the amazing cherry blossoms in full bloom at st Edmunds | 12 nov 2018 |

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Watch Video: 5 Things About India International Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 in Shillong

Other programs arranged at the event include Japanese cosplay competition, a Japanese Judokan display, screening of Japanese films and a cultural mosaic featuring the fusion of Indian and Japanese drummers. The four-day long festival is being organised by the Forest and Environment Department, Govt of Meghalaya, Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2018 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).