Biswajit hails role of Shirui Fest in boosting tourism
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 28 2022:
The 4th edition of Shirui Lily Festival organised by the state's tourism department concluded on Saturday with agriculture minister Th Biswajit hailing the contribution of the festival in giving a boost to the tourism sector of the state.
Th Biswajit and transport minister Khasim Vashum attended the closing ceremony of the festival held at Shirui village ground as chief guest and president respectively while titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda and other ministers and MLAs attended as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Biswajit observed that Shirui festival has emerged as one of the important tourism festivals of the state with huge potential for future expansion and attracting large number of tourists.
The festival can ensure economic improvement not only in the district but also give a major boost in the overall economy of the state through development of tourism sector, he said.
The festival gives an opportunity to see Shirui Lily, which is available only at Shirui Hills of Ukhrul district.
It also gives an opportunity to experience the natural scenic beauty of Ukhrul district, the indigenous tradition, cuisine, culture and lifestyles of Tangkhul community while at the same time providing a platform to showcase the culture and tradition of different indigenous communities of the state by becoming a common ground for people of all communities, he said.
The minister further said that the grand celebration of the festival testifies the commitment of the government to protect and promote Shirui Lily and to boost tourism sector.
Unfortunately, the natural habitat of Shirui Lily is degrading and experts are conducting research to understand the reason behind the losing ground of the rare flower so that it could be salvaged from going extinct.
Maintaining that there will be no reason for organising the festival if the flower is gone, the minister called for a united effort to protect the rare flower, which is a valuable wealth of the state.
In his address, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that Manipur is filled with rich natural resources and natural beauty.
These resources give huge potential for tourism.
Among the different resources of nature available in the state, Ukhrul is blessed with Shirui Lily and it should be promoted as the main tourist attraction, he said.
High footfall of tourists is an opportunity for the residents of the district.
Hospitality is also a main component of tourism and the unmatched hospitality of Tangkhul community is one of the driving forces behind grand success of the festival, the MP maintained.
He also emphasised on identifying key features of other districts with huge tourism potential and promote them to attract more tourist footfalls to bring socio-economic development in the state.