First ever Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in the World

Cherry blossoms are among the most captivating seasonal floral displays, transforming landscapes into canopies of delicate pink and white flowers. In Meghalaya, the native Himalayan wild cherry (Prunus cerasoides) blooms during autumn, particularly in November, creating a distinctive natural spectacle across Shillong and its adjoining areas. Unlike cherry blossom festivals in countries such as Japan, which are traditionally associated with spring, Meghalaya celebrates the unique autumn flowering of these trees. The Government of Meghalaya, in association with the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), organised the First International Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong from 14 to 17 November 2016, marking the beginning of a festival that showcases the State’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential.

Initially organised under the Forests and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya, the festival underwent a significant transformation following the Tourism Department’s takeover in 2021. While continuing to celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms, it evolved into a major multi-day celebration of music, culture and tourism, featuring prominent artists, international collaborations, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The festival has also received recognition through accolades at the WOW Awards Asia, further strengthening its profile as a flagship cultural-tourism event. With its move to the New Shillong Highland Grounds at Mawkhanu, the festival has entered a new phase, with infrastructure designed to accommodate large crowds and major events. Except for the 2022 edition, the festival has successfully held its editions over the years, and the ninth edition is scheduled for November 2026, continuing to position Meghalaya as a distinctive destination for cultural tourism on the national and international stage.