Shirui Lily festival ends amidst fanfare
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 21 2016 : Traditional dance (Shirui Pheichak), folk songs and Shirui Lily Grand Prix marked the concluding day of the Shirui Lily Festival-2016 today at Shirui village in Ukhrul district.

The Shirui Lily Festival-2016 which began on May 18 was sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Govt of Manipur and supported by 41 Assam Rifles Somsai, Ukhrul and organized by the Shirui Lily Festival Organising Committee.

Chairman of ADC Ukhrul district Dr Yaronsho Ngalung attended the valedictory function as the chief guest while Vice-Chairman Tharmi Kashung, other ADC Members and village heads were the presidium members.

During the Shirui festival hundreds of Ukhrul residents attired in traditional dresses gathered at Shirui village which is situated about 15 km East of Ukhrul and joined the celebration.

Various native and indigenous games like cart rally (race of handmade wooden cart), kachek (bow target competition), saokaphan (stick striking game) and flower show competition were the main highlights of the festival.

Shirui Lily festival ends amidst fanfare

Other literary competitions were also conducted as part of the celebration to sensitize younger generation on the importance of Shirui Lily and its conservation and preservation.

Citing the importance of protection and safeguarding Shirui Lily which is found only in hills of Shirui Kashong range, Dr Yaronsho said mass awareness and due attention needs to be given by the State Govt.He added that even though the State Govt has declared Shirui Lily as the State flower, till today the innocent Lily has been left neglected which is unacceptable to the people of Ukhrul.

"Like the attention and importance which has been given to the Sangai, the same amount of attention must be given to Shirui Lily," he said.

Though it was discovered in 1946, almost nothing has been done for the promotion of the flower which could hold due importance in the national and international levels, he said.

Ironically, the flower and the village have been spelt wrong till today officially.

He added that it should actually be 'Shirui' instead of 'Shiroy'.

He urged the State Govt to give equal importance and recognition to the Shirui Lily and work to promote the flower and bring tourism development in the area.

Further he urged the people to avoid deforestation and work to conserve the rare Shirui Lily.

Meanwhile, Tharmi Kashung added that Shirui Lily holds the key towards development of Shirui village and the entire Ukhrul district through tourism and initiatives from the locals cannot make it happen.

The State Govt should work relentlessly to tap the unexplored tourism potential the Shirui Kashong range offers, he said.

Preparedness and commitment of the State Govt is important to preserve and conserve as well as promote tourism.

Unfortunately Shirui Lily has been left neglected for the past many years even if the lily was declared as the State flower since 1989, he alleged.

Equal priority and importance should be given to both Sangai and Shirui Lily as they are equally important for Manipur and equal share should be given for conservation and preservation in the annual State budget, he added.

Shirui Lily festival symbolises happiness and health, hard work and toil, peace and brotherhood, abundance and hope.

On the concluding day, prizes were distributed to winners of different competitions held as part of the Shirui Lily Festival 2016 celebration.