Participants perform during the Ao folk song fusion competition at the Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival 3.0 on November 27.
Morung Express News
Longkhum | November 28
The third edition of the Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival, themed “Blossom, Beats and Beyond”, commenced on Thursday at Longkhum village, bringing together culture, sports, music and community celebration over a three-day programme from November 27 to 29.
Organised by the Longkhum Tourism Board, the festival was inaugurated by Imkongchuba A., Chairman of the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC). In his address, Imkongchuba lauded Longkhum as the “vanguard village of the Ao people” and commended the community for its efforts in sustaining the festival. As an in-law of the village, he urged residents to create clear guidelines for tourists and to engage young people knowledgeable in the village’s history and traditions as trained tourist guides.
He further encouraged the village to promote homestays and actively share its folktales, cultural heritage and traditional practices with visitors. To enhance the tourist experience, he suggested installing signboards and insignia at significant locations, with translations in Ao, Hindi and English. Recognising Longkhum’s reputation for tomatoes, handloom and local art, the MMC Chairman proposed developing souvenirs from these products and even floated the idea of organising a Tomato Festival. He also recommended maintaining a visitor feedback notebook to document both positive and negative experiences.
Festival convenor Imtisungkum expressed gratitude to the Village Putu Menden, youths of the village, the Longkhum Students’ Union, citizens of Mokokchung and well-wishers from beyond for contributing to the success of the event. The Chairman of the Longkhum Putu Menden, in his message, reminded the community of the vision behind the festival and encouraged them to continue innovating. “Let this festival be not only for our district and state but ensure that it reaches the outside world. It is my challenge,” he stated, urging a responsible and peaceful celebration.
The festival grounds showcased a range of stalls including Aor Café, Urban Hub, KFC, BBQ counters, bouquet vendors and photobooths.
The opening day on November 27 featured the inaugural programme of the Longkhum Cherry Blossom Festival, followed by a cultural competition, traditional activities and performances by various artists. On November 28, the second day of the festival hosted a Mountain Bike Competition, “The Ultimate Strength and Bloom” fitness contests, along with performances by assorted artists. The final day on November 29 will include the Green Trail Run (Half-Marathon), the concluding round of the fitness competition and live performances by bands such as Stereo Groove and Divine Connection.
