Could the Cherry Blossom Festival put Longkhum on the tourism map?

Longkhum prepares for Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Longkhum village is set to host the Cherry Blossom Festival from November 27–29, 2024. Known for its landscape and rich cultural heritage, the village is working to turn itself into a tourist hotspot. For years, Longkhum has quietly welcomed visitors, but it has largely stayed off the radar. The Cherry Blossom Festival aims to change that by giving the village a platform to showcase its potential.

“This year, we want to involve both educated and uneducated unemployed youth from our village,” said Imtisüngkum, the festival’s convenor. “We also want to highlight talents from nearby villages, like the art of wearing Seremsü from Akhoya, pottery-making from Changki, and handicrafts from Aliba. Not everyone can make it, but we hope the festival can bring attention to our culture. It will benefit not just Longkhum but the surrounding villages as well.”

According to the convenor, joining the recent trend, this year’s festival will also focus on health and fitness, with events like arm wrestling, strongman competitions, a marathon race, and cycling. These will be held in partnership with the Mokokchung Bodybuilding Association and Mokokchung Athletic Association. Local farmers will also get an opportunity to sell their local farm produce and cuisines at the event. Meanwhile, stalls from Kohima, Dimapur, and Medziphema have confirmed their participation, expanding the festival’s reach beyond the village and the district.

What sets the Cherry Blossom Festival apart is the strong sense of ownership and unity among the Longkhum villagers. “We receive 110% support from the village council,” said Imtisüngkum. “Without the blessing and support of the council and the villagers, this festival wouldn’t be possible.”

According to the convenor, volunteers have worked tirelessly, clearing land, building bamboo structures, and cleaning the surroundings—all without monetary compensation. This spirit of community and volunteerism has been instrumental in the festival’s growth.

Longkhum is also taking a measured approach to tourism. “We want to improve ourselves in the hospitality sector first,” Imtisüngkum noted. “Only after we’ve done the groundwork and learned more about tourism will we reach out to the tourism department.” This philosophy of self-empowerment ensures that the festival—and Longkhum’s tourism prospects—can grow sustainably.

Although still in its early stages, the Cherry Blossom Festival has shown promise. Over 6,000 visitors attended last year despite limited planning and resources. “We were in a trial-and-error phase last year, so we couldn’t collect much data,” Imtisüngkum admitted. “This year, we’ve made significant improvements.”

The 2024 festival will feature homestay and campsite options, along with new daytime activities such as a kid’s zone for families. Adequate parking spaces have been arranged to ensure smoother traffic management. “Many villagers and outsiders have even donated streetlights,” he added, highlighting the community’s support.

One concern is that the festival coincides with academic examinations for students. “Still, our invitation stands: large or small, we hope you’ll join us and enjoy the festival,” said Imtisüngkum.

Entry tickets are priced at Rs 50 per person, and festival merchandise, including T-shirts and caps with the event’s logo, will also be available for purchase.

Looking ahead, Imtisüngkum envisions the Cherry Blossom Festival as the beginning of a larger transformation. “Longkhum is on the tourist map, but we haven’t achieved much yet. We want to ensure Longkhum becomes a regular stop in tourists’ itineraries, perhaps by next year,” he said.

The organizers also extended their gratitude to Mokokchung DC stating, “Our Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner has been very helpful. He even discussed the festival during the DPDB meeting and disseminated information to various departments,” Imtisüngkum noted.

As Longkhum works on its tourism infrastructure and refines the festival, one question lingers: Could the Cherry Blossom Festival unlock the village’s tourism potential? While the answer is still unfolding, the festival has undeniably garnered attention—one that could transform Longkhum into a must-visit destination for travelers in Nagaland.

Building on the success of the inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival in 2023, Longkhum village in Mokokchung is eagerly preparing to host the second edition of this celebrated event, set for November 27-29, 2024. This year, the festival theme, ‘In Unison with Nature,’ highlights the community’s dedication to environmental harmony and cultural pride. The preparations have brought the entire community together, with locals from every corner of the village joining hands to transform the village into a festive wonderland.

Villagers are hard at work constructing traditional style morungs—communal huts that represent the essence of Naga heritage—as well as building stages and stalls that will display local crafts, foods, and cultural showcases. Trails through the scenic cherry blossom groves are being cleared, while roads and pathways are improved to ensure that visitors have an unforgettable experience exploring the beauty of Longkhum. This year, the festival’s logistics have also been upgraded, with expanded parking areas to accommodate the anticipated increase in attendance.

The 2023 festival attracted over 8,000 visitors. According to inside sources, the 2024 festival is poised to be even bigger, with organizers preparing additional cultural programs, food stalls, and exhibitions that will showcase the unique traditions and natural beauty of the region. With the community’s enthusiasm and meticulous preparations, the Cherry Blossom Festival is set to become an even more spectacular event, inviting people from all over to come together and celebrate in unison with nature.

The Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival 2.0 is back, and it’s bigger, better and it’s set to be an unforgettable celebration of nature, culture, music, and adventure with a host of exciting activities and experiences for visitors of all ages.

Taking place from November 27–29, 2024, the festival is themed “In Unison with Nature” and whether you’re an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone looking to unwind in the serenity of nature, this festival offers something truly special for everyone.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Longkhum Cherry Blossom 2.0.

THE SCHEDULE

DAY 1 | WEDNESDAY | 27th NOVEMBER

1:00PM – Inaugural Program
3:00PM – Folk Tale Event
6:00PM – Country Special & the Oldies

DAY 2 | THURSDAY | 28th NOVEMBER
11:00AM – Fit Fest
6:00PM – Flair Hunt

DAY 3 | FRIDAY | 29th NOVEMBER
8:00AM – Marathon
1:00PM – Cycling Endurance Race
4:00PM – Multi Cuisine & Games
6:00PM – Culmination

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

1. Opening Ceremony

The festival kicks off on November 27 at 1:00 PM with a grand inaugural program featuring cultural performances, guest speakers, and an official launch. It sets the tone for the three days of celebration.

2. Adventure Activities

This year’s festival embraces the spirit of adventure with a Cherry Blossom Marathon and a Cycling Endurance Race. Picture yourself running or biking through trails lined with delicate pink blossoms – it’s an experience that blends fitness with the sheer beauty of nature.

3. Cultural Immersion

Dive deep into the cultural heritage of Longkhum through traditional events and folk tale sessions. These performances bring alive the rich history and vibrant traditions of the region, offering visitors a chance to connect with Nagaland’s roots.

4. Soulful Music

Evenings at the festival come alive with live band performances starting at 6:00 PM. Featuring a stellar lineup of artists like Stereo Grove, Ning Dang Ri, The Spectrum, The Syndicates, and Hailinator, the music promises to captivate your heart and soul.

5. Delicious Food & Unique Shopping

Indulge in a gastronomic journey with multi-cuisine food stalls, offering everything from local delicacies to international dishes. For shoppers, the festival has an array of handicrafts, textiles, and organic farm products, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

6. Family-Friendly Fun

The festival caters to families with activities like games for all ages and a Kids PlayZone, ensuring children have a memorable experience of their own.

7. Fitness & Talent Showcases

Join the Fit Fest to participate in high-energy fitness challenges or cheer for participants showcasing their skills. Don’t miss the Flair Hunt, a talent competition bringing the best of local performers to the stage.

The inaugural edition of the festival welcomed 8,000+ visitors, and this year, it’s set to be even bigger and better. With expanded parking facilities, improved event organization, and a lineup of new and exciting activities, the Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival 2.0 is more than just an event – it’s an experience that connects people, nature, and culture.

Whether you want to jog under the blossoms, shop for artisanal crafts, groove to live music, or simply soak in the beauty of Nagaland, this festival offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Plan Your Visit

 Dates: November 27–29, 2024
 Venue: Longkhum Village, Nagaland
 Theme: “In Unison with Nature”

(With inputs from explorelongkhum.com)

MT