Shillong, Nov 20: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira today downplayed criticism over aspects of the recent Cherry Blossom Festival, stating that there will always be critics whether the government does good or bad.
Speaking to reporters, Shira said, “The Cherry Blossom 2025 was a successful one and we had many visitors and tourists who attended the festival.”
However, he was unable to give concrete figures as the department is still collating the information.
The criticism centred on increased traffic congestion in Polo and areas adjacent and the levels of noise produced by the two-day event. Asked why the festival was held in Polo, a central part of the city, rather than on Shillong’s outskirts, the minister said that a permanent site for the festival is being constructed at New Shillong and in the meantime Polo was considered as the next best location.
“Criticism will always be there, even when you do good things,” Shira said. “We don’t blame those who criticise the government, they have every right. Five fingers are not equal. Some may enjoy music and some have a distaste for music. So, there are certain kinds of people likewise the opinion differs.”
Meanwhile, he also informed that preparations for the upcoming Me’Gong festival in Garo Hills are underway and that they have a permanent site set up between Williamnagar and Jengjal on National Highway 51.
Earlier, the department and organisers announced that the UK-based Westlife were in the lineup. However, it has been learnt that they have cancelled. “I am yet to know if any international artistes will perform this year, since there was a proposal to bring an international artiste,” added Shira.
Former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated the festival was a resounding success as the state could draw close to 65 per cent attendees from outside Meghalaya.
On criticisms, Lyngdoh argued that traffic congestion will remain a part of Shillong’s problem. ”It does not only happen during the two days of Cherry Blossom. You will always have critics for whatever you do and for whatever you don’t do,” he said.
