The Ri-Bhoi Mihngi Presbytery which is a part of the Ri-Bhoi Presbyterian Church Synod has joined the opposition to the decision to conclude the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival on a Sunday.
It may be noted that the Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from November 17 to 19 at Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong. Incidentally, November 19 is a Sunday.
In a statement issued today, the Moderator of the Ri Bhoi Mihngi Presbytery, Rev. Haban J. Moksha said Sunday is a revered day for Christians and so concluding the festival on a Sunday will hurt the sentiment of the Christian community not only in Ri-Bhoi but also all over the State.
Recently, the Meghalaya United Christian Forum (MUCF) and Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) have expressed concern over the festival concluding on a worship day for Christians.
The Saindur Tipkur Tipkha Eh-Rngiew Hynniewtrep (STIEH) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ri-Bhoi organisations have also voiced strong opposition against the decision to conclude the upcoming Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival on a Sunday.
However, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that “every day is a holy day and not just Sunday”. He also said that those who oppose concluding of the festival on a Sunday did so with political motives.
