Shillong Nov 13: The 4th edition of the India International Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019 began in Shillong on Wednesday evening amid concern as blooming of Cherry Blossom trees has not been consistent due to climate change.

Infact the India International Cherry Blossom Festival, 2019 is being organized to celebrate the mass flowering of autumn Himalayan Cherry Blossoms with several cultural events in Shillong from November 13 to 16.

Visitors can also enjoy fashion show, rock concerts, beauty pageant and compete in an amateur Golf Tournament.

Alongside, stalls showcasing the region’s food, wine and crafts and several Korean Cultural events, including K-Pop concert and stalls featuring Korean Cuisine and Educational Opportunities at South Korea have been set up.

The venues for various events lined up for the festival is Polo Fifth Ground, State Central Library, Ward’s Lake, Golf Course and State Convention Centre.

The ambassador of South Korea will visit the festival on November 15.

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma who inaugurated the festival said that Meghalaya has always been a popular destination of tourists.

“The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the measures for giving a different feel and experience to tourists,” Sangma said.

According to the Chief Minister, this is a great example of how natural resources and sustainable tourism can be utilised in an effective manner and create value of something which already exists.

He added that the government wanted to focus on the state’s natural strength like environment and beautiful landscape to enhance the experience of tourists.

Sangma also said that the government wanted to ensure that the state get tourists who respect nature.

Speaking of the recent visit of a delegation led by him to Bangladesh to explore trade opportunities with the neighbouring country, the Chief Minister said, his government wanted to explore the potentialities of tourism based on cultural and historical ties between Meghalaya and Bangladesh.

During the trip to Bangladesh, the delegation visited the jail where Khasi Freedon Fighter, U Tirot Sing was imprisoned and breathed his last. They also visited Jaiñtiapur the winter capital of the erstwhile Jaiñtia king.

“Our people would love to visit these sites and this is a strong opportunity to built tourism where both sides gain,” the Chief Minister said.

Sangma also said that his government is trying to build right infrastructure so that tourists can have the right experience.

He informed that a Laser Light Show is on the anvil at the Ward’s Lake, and Umïam view point be further developed.

“The state government is trying to bring in cable cars so that tourists can see the beauty of the state from a different view point,” he said.

Forest and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui also spoke on the occasion and said that when the cherry blossom trees bloom, nothing can match it.

Dinabandhu Sahoo, the brain behind the Cherry Blossom Festival said that with every edition of the festival, the footfall of tourists visiting it has increased.

Expressing concern that the flowering of cherry blossom trees has not been consistent due to climate change, Sahoo said, “Last year it bloomed by late October, but this year in November,” he added.

On the opening day of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Fitness Art, Fashion Show and Nostalgia (Elvis and Beatles show) was held at Polo Fifth Ground, Ward’s Lake, Northeast NCC Cultural Jamboree and LG Queen of the Kitchen and Unplugged Western Music was held.