Flower fest at Mao : A tribute to Mother Nature
Source: The Sangai Express

Mao gate, October 11 2015: First of its kind in the State, the Mao Flower Festival-2015 under the theme "A Tribute to Mother Nature" was organized by the Song Song youth and students with as many 50 plus flower lovers participating the festival on October 10 .

It was a festival to showcase the untapped natural resources, to thank mother nature, to create awareness on sustainability through flower growing and to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Over 5000 people attended the festival at the border town and witnessed the unique event which was organized along the famous NH-2 route.

Before the formal programme of the flower festival, DC of Senapati, Jacintha Lazarus in the presence of SP Kabib inaugurated the Mao police guest house.

The two room guest house was built within Mao police station for visitors and officials.

Flowers on display at the flower festival

The first ever edition of the festival was graced by Deputy Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus, IAS as chief guest, Mao Council President M Dili as guest of honour, SP Kabib K IPS as special guest in the presence of CoHSEM Chairman C Arthur W, IAS, former Minister Mathibo Thohrii, TD Dy Director Kaikho Kapa, Tadubi SDO Ganguiliu Gangmai, MCS, Song Song SDO AAdahrii Maheo, MCS, SDPO Rocky Tholu, MPS and other dignitaries.

Over 100 varieties of rare and ornamental flowers were showcased by the participants who came from different parts of Senapati district.

Mao Council president M Dili announced the council's approval of hosting the flower festival annually and to incorporate the festival in the Mao lunar calendar.

Paying rich tribute to the divine's blessing of availing such 'God's gift', the former NPO president also informed the public that, the Mao Council is investing all efforts to resolve the Dziiko and Koziirii land dispute issue.

He also lauded the contribution of the DC and the SP towards resolving the issue.

SP K Kabib noted that, flowers signify development and the presence of rich flower varieties in the State is a blessing a gift of nature.

Praising the Mao tribe for taking the initiative to host the flower festival, the police officer said that, appreciating flowers and utilizing it wisely can positively sustain one's livelihood.

On the occasion former Minister Mathibo Thohrii expressed happiness over the demand and marketing of Mao vegetables and fruits in Imphal.

TD/Hills Deputy Director N Kaikho called for organizing such event on a larger format like Orange festival in Tamenglong, Lemon festival in Ukhrul and Pineapple festival in Thoubal and Chandel with more scenic space and public participation.

He appealed the State Horticulture Department and district administration to avail more funds to annually organize such shows with more flower varieties from both local and outside.

Jacintha Lazarus congratulated Song Song youth for arranging such an innovative festival.

She opined that organizing such a festivity at the State level would encourage more flower lovers to participate and utilise "our natural resources." She also called for setting up flower's federations and to organize workshops/seminars and exposure trips to other States to know and learn more.

The dignitaries also gave away prizes to winners of certain categories in the festival.

The first prize was won by Daikho Lophro, second by Okhroekhro SHG and third prize was won by Besa of Mayangkhang.

Best flower title was won by Robert Zenet and Best Indigenous flower was won by Elohra for the 24 year old bamboo flower.