Held in the picturesque hills of Mao, in the Senapati district of Manipur, the Cherry Blossom Festival marks the beginning of the pink season in the region. The views of cherry trees laden with blooming flowers have traditionally attracted visitors to the district from across the world.
However, this year, the Manipur Government, along with the Department of Tourism and ICCR Shillong, is organising a virtual version of the much-awaited festival. It will be streamed live today, that is January 9, 2021, at 2pm on their YouTube and Facebook channels on addition to Instagram and Twitter.
Along with other folk dances and music, the highlight of the online event will be its special dance ballet &lsquoCherry Nachom&rsquo.
Launched in November 2017 as part of the Manipur Sangai Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival Mao was introduced under the theme &lsquoCelebrating Nature&rsquos Abundance&rsquo. Popularly known as Sakura in Japan, the flowers are considered as the symbol of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Taking the same intention forward, the festival is conceived as a celebration of the beauty of cherry blossoms in the Mao district of Manipur, the season of which lasts not more than 10-15 days. The festival is annually celebrated at Mao Gate, a hill station in Manipur.
From flower decorations to women dressed in gowns and tiaras to men rallying in their cultural attires and a large number of flower pots and organic vegetables put on sale, the festival provides a wholesome experience of the local culture, tradition, and flora.