Shillong, Oct 19 With a mesmerising spread of junipers, pines, cypresses, ficus' and vaciniums, all just a few inches tall, the Japanese art of Bonsai came alive in an exhibition in Shillong.

The exhibition was organised by the Shillong Bonsai Association, an annual affair, gaining in popularity with each passing year.

Enthusiasts from various parts of the state took part in the exhibition.

Eighty-nine members of the association and 39 non-members participated with various interesting Bonsai species, each nurtured with utmost care.

"The objective is to popularide this art because Meghalaya has been blessed with lots of natural Bonsai which are growing on rocks all around Cheerapunji and many other places. We thought that we could popularise this and let other people grow and run the same art," said Vishu Singhania, secretary, Shillong Bonsai Association.

The Association is also promoting the Bonsai art as an option for employment. They organise workshops for residents and teach them the nuances of growing and nurturing Bonsai, as it can fetch good prices in the market.

The members hope to involve the State Government's horticulture department in their mission.

"I feel in this, the horticulture department of the government should take a leading part. They should bring experts who will show how to grow these Bonsai plants and accordingly reward the growers of Bonsai plants,' said Gafoor, a member of the SBA.

The Association has also been organising workshops in various schools so as to create an interest amongst the coming generation.

Bonsai, the art of miniaturization of trees by pruning of leaves and roots, is becoming popular in the region.

People have been nurturing it as a hobby and lately some are getting involved in it for commercial purposes. By Hempi d. Henpilen (ANI)