Clearing all doubts and confusions, the State government today confirmed that the ongoing Cherry Blossom Festival at Bhoirymbong is a privately-run event and the government was only giving financial assistance.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh today said that the festival is not a government event and contribution to it is lower than the investment put forth by an event management group called Rockski.
“The state government contribution to this event is around Rs 2 crore while the rest of the investment about Rs 7 crore is by Rockski,” Lyngdoh told reporters today.
The ongoing Cherry Blossom Festival which was scheduled to kick start yesterday at Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to adverse weather conditions, much to the disappointment of stall owners, who had their wares ready.
Lyngdoh said he is yet to get the detailed report of the losses and damages and once it is up, he will ensure that the grievances of the stall owners are addressed.
He also assured that since there are many performers following the day one cancellation, the festival hours will also be increased keeping in mind that there is no rush of the entry and exit of people at the venue.
Meanwhile, cyclone Midhili which was the cause for disruption of the festival weakened into a deep depression and lay 50 km east-southeast of Tripura’s capital Agartala.
As Meghalaya did not experience showers today, the festival took off with a spectacular display of electrifying performances from both local and international artists.
The day marked the performances of sensations such as Hybrid Theory, NE-YO, Meba Ofilia, Pink Panda, Snow White, Rahul Rajkhowa, Banjop, Kenny Music, Gwyneth, CYCO and Chevinia, among others.
Commenting on the energy of the audience, NE-YO, said, “The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd are unparalleled. Shillong, with its cherry blossoms, provides the perfect canvas for artistic expression.”
The Tourism Minister also reached the venue to witness the re-scheduled day 1 of the festival. “We lose out on no performances, we can frame it as- may be a day less in number, but a fervour greater in intensity,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the festival has become a symbol of unity and celebration, bringing people together to revel in the beauty of nature and the richness of the state’s cultural diversity.
