Commemorative prayer held as Wuyawon Festival 2026 stands cancelled
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, July 17 2026: The Shingcha Wuyawon Festival Committee (WFC) on Friday organised a commemorative prayer at Shingcha village as a symbolic observance of the Wuyawon Festival 2026 after cancelling this year's celebration due to the prevailing conflict situation in Manipur.

In the presence of village authorities, church leaders, women's groups and youth representatives, the committee formally announced the cancellation of the eighth edition of the festival.

WFC Convener Ninghor said the decision was taken in view of the ongoing unrest in the State.

However, he clarified that visitors would not be barred from visiting Mount Wuya Kachui during the Wuyawon flower blooming season.

According to the convenor of WFC, more than 2,000 visitors have already visited Shingcha village this year.

The commemorative prayer was organised to honour the Wuyawon flower despite the cancellation of the annual festival.

He also noted that around 20,000 visitors had visited the village during last year's festival, reflecting the growing popularity of Mount Wuya Kachui as an emerging tourist destination in Kamjong district.

Ninghor said the flowering this year has been more abundant across the hill ranges, with the peak blooming season extending from mid-July to the end of the month.

Speaking on the occasion, WFC Advisor Pamreiso Shimray appreciated the State Government's initiative to promote Wuyawon tourism but noted that the festival could not be held after the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) declared an emergency in the Tangkhul region and prohibited festival celebrations.

He said the State Government had earmarked Rs 15 lakh under the Shiroi Lily Festival initiative for the promotion of Wuyawon and Mount Wuya Kachui.

He added that the WFC has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Tourism Dept seeking the development of tourism infrastructure, including basic visitor amenities, in Shingcha village.

Expressing hope that Shingcha would emerge as a major tourism destination in Kamjong district, Shimray said a proposal has also been submitted to the concerned department to introduce tour operations to Mount Wuya Kachui from October onwards.

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