Latest news with #CherryBlossomFestival
United News of India
01-07-2025
- United News of India
Meghalaya makes registered guides mandatory for trekkers
Shillong, July 1 (UNI) Weeks after a murder that shook Meghalaya's tourism sector, the state government has announced that registered guides must accompany visitors undertaking treks and outdoor activities. The directive comes following the high-profile killing of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), allegedly orchestrated by his wife in collusion with a group of accomplices from Madhya Pradesh. The incident, which led to the arrest of eight people, has brought tourist safety under sharp scrutiny, especially in the scenic but remote regions of Meghalaya. Rosetta M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills and chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), said the new regulation is being enforced to safeguard visitors from unforeseen risks. 'For safety reasons, tourists must now avail the services of registered guides for treks and outdoor activities,' Kurbah said, adding that the move will help reduce risks such as accidents, tourists getting lost in remote terrains, or falling prey to criminal activity. The East Khasi Hills, home to globally renowned natural attractions like the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat, numerous cascading waterfalls, and dense subtropical forests, attracts lakhs of visitors annually. While the landscape is breathtaking, the trails are often isolated and complex, posing logistical and safety challenges for unaccompanied travelers. Officials have confirmed that the new rule will be strictly enforced. Tourists who fail to comply may face penalties or even be denied access to popular trekking routes. To ensure smooth implementation, the district administration has committed to recruiting and training more local guides, thereby also creating employment opportunities within the community. This is not the first time Meghalaya has taken regulatory steps to protect its tourism economy, which contributes significantly to local livelihoods. Past measures have included visitor caps at ecologically sensitive sites and compulsory registration of homestays. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh welcomed the latest safety mandate, noting that Meghalaya's target of attracting over two million tourists this year can only be achieved if visitor trust is preserved through proactive measures. 'We are deeply committed to ensuring that Meghalaya remains a peaceful and safe destination for all. Events like the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong later this year, which will feature international artists, are testimony to our growing tourism ambitions,' Lyngdoh said. Meghalaya, often referred to as the "abode of clouds," is among the top eco-tourism destinations in India, with the East Khasi Hills leading in visitor footfall. UNI ABI PRS
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
Raja Raghuvanshi murder: Planning trip to Meghalaya? Hiring guides now mandatory
SHILLONG: In a bid to enhance tourist safety, authorities in Meghalaya have made it mandatory for visitors to hire registered guides while undertaking outdoor activities in the East Khasi Hills district, officials said. The decision comes in the wake of the high-profile murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly planned by his wife during their honeymoon in the scenic Sohra region last month. "In view of safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered tourist guide while undertaking treks (and outdoor activities) in the area," East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Rosetta M Kurbah said in an order. Kurbah, who also serves as chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), said mandatory guide services aim to enhance visitor safety and prevent incidents such as tourists getting lost, injured, or falling prey to crimes in remote areas. She cited serious safety concerns in the aftermath of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, which rocked the state and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals from Indore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo Tourism officials added that the directive will be strictly enforced, with penalties for violators. Tourists found flouting the rule may be denied access to popular trekking routes. The district is home to some of Meghalaya's top attractions, including the double-decker living root bridge, stunning waterfalls, and rolling meadows—all of which attract adventure seekers year-round. To facilitate the implementation, the administration plans to deploy more trained guides and collaborate with local communities. The tourism department is also working on improving safety infrastructure in the region. Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said the state is expecting a surge in tourist footfall, projecting over two million visitors this year. Among the major attractions planned is the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival, which will feature performances by international artists in Shillong. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jason Derulo and The Script to headline Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong
Global stars are set to light up the north-east city in a two-day celebration of music, culture, and immersive experiences. The Cherry Blossom Festival is set to return to Shillong on November 14-15, with an international line-up headlined by Jason Derulo and The Script. The announcement was made by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya during a World Music Day event at the Lariti Auditorium. After drawing thousands in previous editions, this year's festival will return to the city with an expanded footprint. Alongside main stage concerts at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, cultural installations and pop-up experiences are planned across Ward's Lake, heritage sites, and key public spaces—transforming Shillong into a citywide celebration zone. Supporting venues like MFA Ground and SRGT Ground will add to the festival's scale. Day 1 highlights: Jason Derulo, the Miami-based pop-R&B artiste known for hits like Swalla , Talk Dirty , and Savage Love , will perform with his 15-member dance crew. Derulo's high-energy stage presence and choreography have earned him a place among the top global performers known for combining vocals with movement. Sharing the stage, Irish rock band The Script will make their India debut. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide and anthems like Hall of Fame and Breakeven , the band is expected to deliver an emotionally charged live set that fans have long awaited. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Day 2 headliners will be revealed in the coming weeks, with organisers hinting at a similarly diverse and high-profile line-up. In a major production upgrade, every attendee will receive an RFID-enabled LED wristband, enabling synchronised crowd lighting—a concept made popular at global concerts, which will now debut in the North-East. The goal: to create a shared visual and musical experience unlike any before. Tickets, limited to preserve production quality, will go on sale at the end of June. More than just a music event, the Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is poised to amplify Shillong's cultural capital, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad while providing a significant boost to the local economy and tourism sector.
NZ Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Blossom festival axed, replaced by promotion
A beloved community annual tradition in Greerton has been axed after nearly 20 years because of costs. The Greerton Business Association, formerly known as Greerton Village Community Association, this week announced it has cancelled 2025's Cherry Blossom Festival, which was set for September. Association chairman Cameron Templer said in a
WebMD
17-06-2025
- WebMD
Finding the Beauty After the Storms
I visited Washington, D.C., with a few of my friends this spring to see the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was a trip we had been planning for a couple of months, so I was excited that the time had finally come for us to go. A week before our trip, the blooms reached full peak. We did not worry because while it is not easy to determine when this will actually happen, the trees usually retain their beauty for several days afterward. Unfortunately, a sudden wind and rain storm battered the blossoms a few days before our trip. So these already fleeting beauties were all but blown away into the Tidal Basin where many of the cherry trees are planted. I kept close watch of this area in real time via a live view camera. Each day it seemed that the trees were becoming greener with just some speckles of pink left behind. Instead, I focused on a cluster of pretty pink ones that had weathered the storm. I can relate to those trees, as someone who has found the beauty in the ashes of life. The spiritual context of this saying – according to – is 'the Lord promises that He would 'bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair'' (Isaiah 61:3). This is the 22nd year since my breast cancer story began. Lord knows that it has not been easy, as I have lost a lot. Yes, I could be consumed by the heaviness of being in treatment and losing my hair, yet I realize that I have gained so much more. Instead, I try to stay focused on all of my blessings and keep a heart of gratefulness. I appreciate the beauty of flowers, the warmth of the sun, and the friendly smiles of strangers. This is why I did not want to lose focus on the clusters of blossoms that remained pink. I wanted to have something to look forward to. We took a train to Washington and checked in to our hotel in the Capitol Hill area. After we got a bite to eat, we decided to go to the Tidal Basin to see the sunset. During our taxi ride, it was a bit disappointing to see, in person, that indeed, most of the blossoms in various areas were gone. But we were determined to make the most of everything. When we arrived at our destination, we saw a small crowd of people taking photos in front of the cluster of pink trees. Feeling excited, we walked toward them. Although the area didn't have the full glory of a lot of lush pink trees, it was still a sight to see along the waterfront. We took some amazing photos with the warrior blooms that seemed to wait for us to get there. During the rest of the weekend, we visited the United States Botanic Garden to see their orchid exhibit, enjoyed a live jazz performance, and ate at some wonderful restaurants. Like life, we can make our plans, but I believe it is God who orders our steps (Proverbs 16:9). The trip to see the cherry blossoms was our original focus, but we had to just reset and appreciate the memories that we made together and make the most of every opportunity bestowed upon us. Life is beautiful even during the stormy seasons. It is about what you make of it after the storm ends.
