Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival cancelled; but blooms colour the town pink

It’s that time of the year again when Shillong, the hill town in Indian State of Meghalaya, is awash with pretty pink blooms of cherry blossom.

Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, the India International Cherry Blossom Festival held annually in Shillong has been reportedly  cancelled this year. But, the wispy pink-and-white blooms that adorn the town’s trees around this time of the year have kept their promise, bringing cheer to the people.

The buds are set to reappear next week and expected to be in full bloom by early November, says Albert Chiang, scientist, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development. Shillong’s pink bounty is a gift from the Himalayas.

The cherry blossom or Prunus cerasoides as they are called–spread across the east and west Khasi hills. While they grow in the wild, they are also planted along the avenues in the town, so you can spot them anywhere and everywhere.

The Meghalaya State is currently allowing travellers, not more than 72 years old with a negative rapid antigen test or a COVID-19 Negative report from a recognised laboratory. Only symptomatic patients will be required to undergo mandatory paid quarantine. Travellers will also be required to download the AarogyaSetu App.