The second edition of Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival concluded on November 29 with an impressive turnout and renewed optimism for its future. Held over three days, the festival attracted 500-600 visitors on the first day, over 1,500 on the second, and around 2,000 on the final day. Tourists from Assam and neighboring districts like Zunheboto, Wokha, and Tuensang also visited the festival.
“The festival was successful as the turnout was more than we expected,” said Yutsüng Imchen, Convenor of the Event Management Team. “Seeing people happy made us happy too, though we regret that we couldn’t provide facilities like WiFi.”
This year, the festival introduced sports activities, which became a major highlight. “The number of athletes who participated was unexpected,” Imchen said, noting significant enthusiasm for bodybuilding, fitness, and cycling competitions.
The cycling event drew attention beyond Mokokchung, with participants from Kohima and Dimapur eager to join. “We had to decline them this time because we focused on Mokokchung, but we hope to eventually provide a state-level platform,” Imchen explained, citing time constraints.
Despite the positive reception, organizers acknowledged challenges, particularly in adapting to tourism. “Tourism is so new to us that we don’t know where or how to start,” said Imtisüngkum, Convenor of the Cherry Blossom Festival. He emphasized the need for better crowd discipline and security measures, describing these as ongoing challenges.
Revenue from the first edition was reinvested into expanding the venue and activities this year, showcasing the village’s commitment to the festival. Plans for future editions include introducing trekking tracks to offer visitors an immersive experience of Longkhum’s scenic beauty.
As the event grows in popularity, organizers are determined to address challenges and elevate the festival into a sustainable, state-level attraction. With a community-driven approach and a focus on continuous improvement, Longkhum’s Cherry Blossom Festival has the potential to become a cornerstone of Mokokchung’s tourism sector.