News

Shillong prepares for the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival

Travellers planning a visit to Meghalaya should mark their calendars for November 15-16, as Shillong gears up for the much-anticipated Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. This annual event, celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and cultural attractions, will take place at the Madan Kurkalang Stadium in Bhoirymbong, RI Bhoi District, Shillong. The festival transforms the city into a scene straight out of a postcard, adorned with vibrant pink and white cherry blossoms. Every year, during mid-November, Shillong comes alive as cherry trees bloom, painting the city in soft shades of pink and white. This stunning natural display, paired with the comfortable weather, creates the perfect setting for visitors to explore the outdoors. Whether strolling through the streets or attending the festival, it’s an ideal time to experience Shillong’s natural charm. The two-day Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival promises a thrilling musical experience with an impressive line-up of international and Indian artists. Headliners for this year include global music stars like Akon, Boney M, R3HAB, Queen Sensation, and Korn Sk alongside Indian talents such as Jasleen Royal and Kanika Kapoor. The festival will also feature performances from local favourites like Great Society, and Jessie Lyngdoh. The Cherry Blossom Festival has become a hallmark event in the region, drawing large crowds every year. Up to 30,000 visitors are expected daily, drawn not only by the music but also by the unique cultural elements that the festival offers. This year’s event will feature a special Japanese village within the festival grounds, offering a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. From traditional crafts to food stalls, the village aims to bring a slice of Japan to Shillong, enhancing the multicultural vibe of the festival.

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Nagaland Tourism to host 3rd edition of Autumn Festival in New Delhi

Nagaland Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is set to host the third edition of the Autumn Festival from October 18 to 20. The festival will take place at the lawns of Nagaland House in New Delhi, providing a unique opportunity for Delhi residents to experience the spirit of Nagaland’s renowned Hornbill Festival. Following the success of the first two editions, the Tourism Department is bringing back the Autumn Festival with increased enthusiasm, extending it to three days this year. This event is designed to offer a preview of the Hornbill Festival, especially for those unable to travel to Nagaland, while also providing insights for those planning to attend the main event. Shri Temjen Imna Along, Honourable Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, expressed his excitement about the upcoming festival. He stated, “Nagaland is all set to host the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival but before the mega event, our objective is to offer an immersive experience for individuals who are unable to attend in Nagaland through the Autumn Festival. Simultaneously, we aim to enhance the understanding of those who intend to travel for the festival, ensuring they know what to expect. This effort also helps to foster friendships and cultivate a sense of familiarity with each other’s cultures. Given that Delhi is the capital and a melting pot of diverse communities and cultures, it is an ideal location for this festival." The three-day Autumn Festival will feature a diverse range of Nagaland’s culture, showcasing businesses, artists, and traditions. Festival goers will be able to enjoy a variety of Naga cuisines, handicrafts, textiles, art, and music.

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Underground Metro 3 records 1.55 lakh ridership in 7 days

The newly launched underground Mumbai Metro Line 3 has recorded 1.55 lakh ridership in seven days — from October 7 to October 13. As per the data available from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), which is the project implementing authority, the underground Metro has recorded a spike in ridership after first two days of its operations. On Day 1, it saw a total 18,015 ridership whereas on October 13, the ridership reported was 25,782 — a 43.11 per cent jump. Of the total 33.5-km underground Metro Line 3, about 12.44 km stretch between BKC to Aarey under Phase 1 was opened to public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off the commercial operations of Phase 1 on October 4 in Mumbai. Phase 1 from Aarey to BKC, allows commuters to travel the distance in 30 minutes, with trains running every 6.5 minutes during the peak time.

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Gujarat Tourism Soars To New Heights With 22-Fold Increase In Two Decades

In 2003-04, Gujarat attracted just 6.165 million tourists, but by 2022-23, this figure had skyrocketed to over 140 million, with more than 2.2 million of them being international visitors. Gandhinagar: Twenty years ago, Gujarat’s tourism sector was almost negligible, but today it stands as a top destination for travelers globally. In 2003-04, the state saw just 6.165 million tourists, while by 2022-23, this number had soared past 140 million, including over 2.2 million international visitors. Moreover, the tourism department’s budget, which was a mere ₹12 crore in 2001-02, has risen to an impressive ₹1620.06 crore for 2024-25. Rann Utsav and Kite Festival Gain International Recognition Former Chief Minister Narendra Modi, seeing the tourism potential of the White Rann in Kutch, introduced the ‘Rann Utsav’ in 2005. Initially a three-day event, it has since grown into a four-month-long extravaganza. To draw international attention to Gujarat’s famous Uttarayan festival, the International Kite Festival was launched. Since 2009, Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lake has hosted the annual Kankaria Carnival. Other cultural events like the Tana Riri Festival in Vadnagar and Uttarardh Mahotsav at the Modhera Sun Temple, which highlight Indian dance traditions, have also boosted tourism. Gujarat’s Navratri and Garba have achieved global fame, thanks to the Vibrant Navratri Festival. Statue of Unity, the World’s Tallest Statue, Emerges as a Leading Tourist Destination In honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” and inspired by the vision of former Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the 182-meter-tall Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, was erected in Kevadia, Gujarat. Numerous attractions have been developed around the Statue of Unity, such as the Jungle Safari Park, Children’s Nutrition Park, Aarogya Van (Health Forest), Valley of Flowers, Ekta Mall, Ekta Nursery, Miyawaki Forest, and Maze Garden. A railway station has also been built in Kevadia to enhance tourist access. The state government is committed to the comprehensive tourism development of the Kevadia region.

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Chennai Metro update: Enhanced services and increased frequency for commuters

The Chennai Metro services today (October 15, 2024) have been updated to provide commuters with enhanced travel options, with an increase in the number of trains operating and improved frequency on key lines. The Chennai Metro services today (October 15, 2024) have been updated to provide commuters with enhanced travel options, with an increase in the number of trains operating and improved frequency on key lines. Currently, 47 trains are running, up from the usual 42, ensuring greater convenience for passengers. The update was shared by the official handle of Chennai metro rail on X( formerly twitter). Updated Service Schedule Service hours: 05:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs The first train departs from all terminal stations at 05:00 hrs, and the last train departs at 23:00 hrs. Lines with Updated Frequencies: Green Line: Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro to St. Thomas Mount Metro – trains every 5 minutes. Blue Line: Airport to Wimco Nagar Depot – trains every 6 minutes. Between Washermenpet Metro and Arignar Alandur Metro – trains every 3 minutes. Passengers are encouraged to utilize these services and plan their travel accordingly.

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Leaf-peepers are flocking to see New England's brilliant fall colors

MEREDITH, N.H. — New England leaf-watching season is in full swing, as people from as far as Florida and Berlin flock to the region for scenic drives, train rides and bus tours to soak in the splendid hues of red, orange and bronze. With quaint towns and covered bridges scattered through swaths of changing forest, the rural Northeast provides an ideal setting to view nature's annual show. "Leaf-peeping is one of the most accessible tourism things that you can do," said Teddy Willey, the general manager of the Frog Rock Tavern in Meredith, New Hampshire. “You don’t have to have the athleticism to be a hiker, you don’t have to have the money to own a boat.” You just need to be able to jump in a car and head north, he said. “Once you’re there, you just take it in," Willey said. He spoke just after his tavern was flooded with tourists from Indiana who had stepped off a sightseeing bus. Among them was Vicky Boesch, of Fort Wayne, who had made the trip with her sisters. “We came out to the Northeast to see the beautiful foliage and the colorful leaves,” she said, adding the she was impressed with Vermont. “The leaves were very pretty on the mountains because the sun was out yesterday, and so that makes them pop more,” she said.

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