Shirui Lily Fest records thousands of footfalls
Red carpet rolled out for all visitors
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, May 20 2025: The 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival opened at Ukhrul today with thousands reaching Shirui village to get a glimpse of the majestic State flower and Tangkhul culture.

Shirui village youth, dressed in traditional attire, welcomed the guests and visitors.

Celebrated after a gap of four years, the Shirui Lily Festival this year commemorates the flower gaining worldwide recognition 75 years ago when it was awarded a prestigious merit by the Royal Horticultural Society at its London Flower Show in 1950.The Shirui Lily - Lilium Mackliniae - is a botanical treasure found exclusively in the Shirui hills of Manipur.

British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward discovered the flower in 1946 and named it after his wife, Jean Macklin.

On the opening day of the festival, hundreds of visitors from across the country were seen enjoying the scenic beauty of the Shirui village.

Visitors were seen trekking the Shirui hill and capturing memories with the majestic flower atop Shirui on their smartphones.

Well known folk singers performed on the opening day.

The Tarao tribe and Ringui Mathotmi cultural dance troupe performed "Feather head and folk dance".

Poems on Princess of Mount Shirui were recited.

The 5-day festival will witness a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous games like the Shirui Lily Grand Prix, and artistic exhibitions that showcase the rich heritage of the Tangkhul Nagas and other communities.

Adventure lovers will indulge in trekking, camping, biking, and scaling the summit of the Shirui Hills to witness the mesmerizing bloom of the Lily in its full glory.

The festival will offer Tangkhul culinary delights - a taste of local ethnic cuisine, while SHiROCK music festival promises an electrifying lineup of performances that will resonate with energy and enthusiasm.

The festival will also feature innovative attractions such as the Shirui Lily Literature Festival, the Trash Collection Marathon, SheChef cooking competitions, drone light shows, traditional weaving exhibitions, and the glamorous Miss Shirui Lily pageant - each contributing to the goal of promoting eco-awareness, cultural pride, and community engagement.

This year, the Shirui Lily Festival is not limited to celebration of nature's artistry.

Emphasis has been given to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.

The festival aims to conserve the environment and preserve indigenous culture.

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