Blossom of Joy

A click by  the author during the visit. The picture depicts the blossoms, river, boating and birds

Blossom of Joy

National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

Tired of being inside the house watching the snow, I desperately wanted to go out and feel some fresh air. While the whole America is screaming 'spring is here', we are still witnessing the snow. However, The annual Cherry Blossom Festival came as a blessing in disguise for me. I am used to the busy roads, chaos of people, and lots of social activities, while I was in India.  But its been a couple of months since I moved to the mesmerizing United States of America. The sad thing about this season is, it snows too much and one hardly sees people outside the houses. Its like, the heaps of white mountains everywhere, with carpeted snow on the roads, parks, balconies! 

After hibernating for the whole winter season, I came to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival to be held in Washington DC.  I could not stop my temptation for it and went there to witness it. I realized how beautiful nature can be. With high rise buildings, a flowing river and flying birds, the site of cherry blossom festival is just feast for eyes. I understood the importance of hibernating for few months and then getting exposed to awesomeness.

Cherry blossom

What is cherry blossom Festival?

Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two week festival that begins on the last Saturday of March and ends in a fortnight. It symbolises the start of spring Nation wide. The festival is celebrated in the Nation capitol, Washington DC. Events like blossom Kite festival, sushi/sake celebrations, classes about cherry blossoms, bike tour of tidal basins, exhibits of photography, sculpture, animation, and various cultural performances, rakugo, kimono fashions shows, dance, singing, martial arts, rugby union tournament and many are held. 

If you are wondering why you are listening to few Japanese words, let me tell you one interesting point about cherry blossoms.The Cherry blossoms stands for the blossoming of cherry trees.These cherry trees were gifted by Japan to United States in the year 1912. A total of 3020 trees of 12 varieties were imported from Japan and were planted in the avenues in Washington DC. But the roots of spreading cherry trees go back to early 19th century. However, In a ceremony on March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two of these trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. So, the Japanese influence is still visible during the Cherry blossom festival.

visitors enjoying the cultural Performances

It was fun to see people from different cultures, ethnics and countries at one place and enjoying the beauty. Now talking about the events, let me tell you that the fun doesn't stop with rugby union. Other events like 10 mile run, arts and performances through out the fortnight, cultural exchange and fire works also take place. The most awaited event is the Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival, the largest Japanese Cultural Festival in the United States. It is witnessed by herds of people every year. I myself was stuck in traffic jam amidst thousands of enthusiastic tourists sprawling to witness the blossom. It is believed that annually more than 700,000 people visit Washington DC to witness the festival. I am lucky to be one of them this year.

Next time, when you plan to visit USA, make sure your trip falls during the Cherry Blossom Festival, for it is one of its kind and a-never-miss opportunity in lifetime. 

Swathi Karamcheti

Swathi Karamcheti is an enthusiastic journalist who is aiming at changing the face of News. Since childhood, Swathi has been a leader and a winner in academics. An MPhil graduate from a reputed B-School in India and a Silver Medalist, her ambition has been clear and has been successful in achieving everything that she wanted.  She was chosen as a youngleader by UNDP twice and represented her nation, India, in various conferences and seminars. She is a writer, producer, onscreen presenter and an orator, who is confident about what she does. People call her a walking encyclopedia and a knowledge sharer. She was always rewarded with promotions and incentives at her work place and is still applauded by the organization she worked with. She is now pursuing PhD in Development Media and is looking forward to bring awareness in the world through her programs and promos. She may be reached at swathikaramcheti@gmail.com