North East Cherry to blossom in Delhi with Japanese Collaboration- An IBSD Initiative

February 11, 2016

Delhi got the distinction of being the First city in India to hold the prestigious Sakura Plantation Ceremony event which will ultimately lead to the world famous Cherry Blossom Festival in subsequent years.

A dedicated group of Japanese people who have been spear heading Cherry Blossom Plantation around the World along with the initiative taken by Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director of Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development and has been spear heading the movement in India (which was launched in Shillong at Ward’s Lake and also at the Imphal War Cemetery to mark the 71st Anniversary of the WWII Battle on May 29, 2015 during 2015) launched the ceremony in traditional Japanese style wearing Kimono at Talkatora Garden , Delhi.

The function was attended by a large number of students and teachers from different colleges of Delhi University, Government officials, Embassy officials, Heads of Japanese Multinational companies and people from various walks of live. The Japanese delegation comprising 25 people led by Mr. Kazuo Kawashima , President of Gifu Cherry Blossoms Association of Japan said, it was Japan’s long cherished dream to plant Cherry trees in India which got fulfilled today.

Ms. Hattori, Secretary of the association read out a message sent by the Mayor of Gifu City, Japan for the people of Delhi to spread message of Peace through Sakura. Later She handed over the Message to Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo and congratulated him for taking this initiative. She also sang a traditional Japanese song. In future, people would not need to go to Japan or USA or any other foreign country to watch the beautiful Cherry Blossom event said Professor Sahoo to the cheering crowd. Flags of both the countries were presented.

Cherry Blossom, popularly known as Sakura in Japanese, is a symbol of Peace and tranquility. There is a centuries old practice in Japan of enjoying picnic under the blooming Sakura trees known as Hanami which is said to have started during 7th century AD. Some records indicate that Hanami festivals might started as early as 3rd century AD. The custom which was originally limited to the elite Imperial court slowly spread to the Japanese Samurai society and subsequently to the common people. Hanami Festivals/Sakura Festivals or Cherry Blossom Festivals celebrate the beauty of these wonderful flowers in full bloom covering the whole tree which last only for 10-15 days. People come in large numbers to parks, shrines, temples, roadsides, schools, public places etc. to enjoy the beautiful sites of full blossoms and relax under these trees.

Japan has been planting the cherry blossom trees in several countries to spread the message of peace and in strengthening of bilateral friendship. Japan gave 3,020 Sakura trees as a gift to the United States in 1912 to celebrate the nation’s growing friendship. This gift was renewed with another 3,800 trees in 1965. Today, there are a number of Cherry Blossom trees grown in different cities of United States of America including the famous Sakura Park in Manhattan, New York and West Potomac Park in Washington D.C which are popular tourist attractions.

The International Cherry Blossom Festival in Georgia, features over 300,000 cherry trees. Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Diego, and several other cities have thousands of such Sakura trees. Japan has been promoting Cherry Blossom Plantation in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Netherland, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and several other countries.

The young students were enthusiastic and waving Indian Flags during the entire function. Even some students wore the Kimono and took pictures with Japanese people.

Delhi became the 38th City in the world and the first one in India to hold such a prestigious event. I am sure this will not only strengthen the ties of friendship between India and Japan but also bring international peace and prosperity.

For further details, contact-
Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo
Director, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development
(A National Institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India)
Takyelpat, Imphal, Manipur- 795001 (India)