The dorbar shnong of Lumdaitkhla Bhoirymbong in Ri-Bhoi has issued a clarification regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the date of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The dorbar shnong emphasised that it did not oppose the government’s decision to conclude the festival on a Sunday, explaining that it had only issued a no-objection certificate (NOC), and the choice of the festival date was determined by the government’s aim to promote tourism in the state.
Speaking to reporters today, ST Rympei, Lumdaitkhla Bhoirymbong headman, revealed that the dorbar shnong had granted an NOC for the festival venue at Madan Kurkalang, covering the period from October 25 to November 25.
The village itself was unaware of the festival’s date until certain pressure groups began to raise a hue and cry as the event’s last day will fall on a Sunday (November 19).
Upon learning of the opposition, the dorbar shnong reached out to the festival organisers to discuss the matter. The organisers assured the dorbar that no church services in the area will be disrupted by the festival, a condition to which the dorbar shnong agreed.
Rympei also expressed the villagers’ contentment with the government’s decision to host the Cherry Blossom Festival in Bhoirymbong, emphasising that there is no opposition from the village regarding the festival. The community hopes that this event will contribute to the growth of tourism in the Bhoirymbong area and the state as a whole.
