Shillong: The Shillong Cherry Blossom festival, which was slated to get underway on November 17, has been shifted to Ri-Bhoi district this year to avoid traffic-related inconvenience, as the state capital has been reeling under traffic snarls.
The festival will be held at the RBDSA Sports Complex in Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong, from November 17-19. Last year, the Polo Ground and Ward’s Lake in Shillong played host to the festival.
“There will be a footfall of about 30,000 visitors per day, which means that by the end of the event we will have around one lakh visitors. 90% of these visitors are expected to be tourists, including international travellers as well,” said state tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh. “The festival is a celebration of culture, art and music. This year’s edition is a medley of pop stars and DJs,” an official said.
The artistes performing on the inaugural day of the festival are Sanam, Hybrid Theory, SURL, Kenny Musik, 4th Element, The Band Phantasm, DBRYN, Gwyneth, Dalariti, CYCO, Aminio, Dr Legend and Chevinia, among others. The likes American singer NE-YO, Meba Ofilia, Pink Panda, Snow White, Rahul Rajkhowa, Street Stories – Banjop, Empirical Tribe – Tenny, Zethan, Ricaa Stella and Banker Kharkongor are supposed to perform on the seconbd day of the event. The last day of the festival will witness former Boyzone vocalist Ronan Keating, Jonas Blue, Lou Majaw, Blue Temptation, Da Minot, Nokpante, Rhem, Favian, Wanjop Sohkhlet, Banrap, Youngg Nate, Meban, Lamphrang and Toshan.
With Ri-Bhoi being located along NH-40, the traffic for the event will move along the Guwahati-Shillong road, Mawiong-ISBT bypass and the Mawdiangdiang bypass.
An official statement said the festival offered a diverse range of activities from cosplay competitions and beauty pageants to choir contests, graffiti and art installations, karaoke contests, Ferris wheel and a thrilling zipline.
Meanwhile, tourists have already begun arriving in Shillong to witness the blooming of the beautiful cherry blossoms and be a part of the festival, as well.
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