In celebration of nature’s beauty and heralding the arrival of the festive season, Longkhum Village in Mokokchung is organizing Nagaland’s first ever Cherry Blossom Festival, themed “In Unison with Nature.” The 3-day festival, which commenced on November 22, is set to culminate on November 24.
The Cherry Blossom Festival was graced by T Tatong Longchar, District Fishery Officer, Mokokchung who commended the village for taking on the responsibility of hosting such a significant event. In his speech, the Chief Guest emphasized that organizing this historical festival should be a collective responsibility of every citizen in the village. He urged the entire village to align with the evolving world, marking a historic moment for Nagaland.
“The whole village should strive in congruence with the growing world, as this Cherry Blossom Festival marks history in Nagaland,” declared Longchar. He encouraged the Longkhum Tourism Committee and the organizing committee to embrace qualities that would propel the village forward, urging them to plan even grander festivals in the years to come.
Pangeryapang Longkumer, the convenor of the first Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival, revealed that the cherry trees have been blossoming every year for the past 4 decades since they were planted. He highlighted the festival’s historical significance, tracing its roots from Japan to Meghalaya and now finding a home in Longkhum, making it a record-setting event for Nagaland. The organizing committee envisions growing the festival into both a national and international attraction.
Rongpangwati Jamir, the Convenor of the Longkhum Tourism Committee, emphasized the festival as a window for tourists to explore natural attractions and to promote Longkhum tourism.
Expressing gratitude to the village council for granting permission to host Nagaland’s first-ever Cherry Blossom Festival, Jamir envisioned this event becoming a cornerstone in promoting local tourism.
The genesis of the cherry blossom in Longkhum dates back to 1980 when the then Home Minister of Nagaland, Dalle Namo, planted cherry saplings in the land of Longkhum with the help of jawans from the 2nd NAP Battalion, Alichen. Now, after forty years, the cherry trees continue to blossom, creating a breathtaking spectacle that has over the years become an integral part of Longkhüm’s identity.
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The first day’s event witnessed the inauguration of multi-cuisines and games stalls by the special guest. The festival highlights include food fiesta with music and games, multi cuisine food stalls, sale of handicraft items and agricultural products by SHGs, children’s playzone, unplugged music and karaoke, and night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms and pine grove.
Longkhum is a popular rural tourism destination in Nagaland. The festival is a community initiative of Longkhum village without assistance from the state tourism department or the state government.