Shirui Lily festival begins in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, May 20 2025: The Shirui Lily Festival resumed after a two-year hiatus with the inauguration programme of the fifth edition held on Tuesday at the Heritage Ground Vangayan at Shirui village marked by the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the state flower's discovery.

Shirui Lily was first discovered in 1950, signifying a milestone in recognising cultural traditions, and the need for conservation of the unique flower and its natural habitat.

Dignitaries of the inauguration programme, who started assembling from around 11:30 am were welcomed by Ringui Mathotmi Cultural Dance Troupe even as KC Khayaising blew the traditional festive trumpet.

Among the dignitaries were Tangkhul Naga Long president Sword Vashum, and TNAL president Tennyson Kashung.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries pointed out that the festival is being organised with the dual vision of promoting sustainable tourism and fostering environmental awareness, adding the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events in the state's cultural calendar.

Calling the Shirui Lily not just a flower but a fragile marvel of nature that blooms only within the unique microclimate of the Shirui Hills and cannot be transplanted elsewhere, making the region not just its birthplace, but also its only sanctuary, they called upon all to collectively shoulder the responsibility to protect endangered flower species and the environment it thrives in.

Expressing elation over congregation of people from all walks of life - local residents, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and beyond - to join the festival, experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Tangkhul Nagas, and delicious local cuisines, the speakers noted the huge potential Ukhrul has to become a tourist destination.

The next five days will feature cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous games like the Shirui Lily Grand Prix, artistic exhibitions that showcase the rich heritage of the Tangkhul Nagas and other communities, trekking, camping, and biking, reaching the summit of Shirui Hills to witness the mesmerising bloom of the Lily in its full glory, taste the local ethnic cuisine, the SHiROCK music festival, 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.

As part of the festival, a state-level Flower Show Competition and the Art Residency cum Exhibition were also inaugurated on Tuesday.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion to mark the 75th anniversary of Shirui Lily, along with release of two books titled 'Floristic Diversity of Shirui Kashong' authored by Shirui local AW Thotrinphi and a Table Coffee book.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed a special number from Feather Heads and cultural performances by Benita Laishram, Kom dance troupe and Ringui Mathotmi dance troupe.

A pork eating competition was also held on inaugural day of the festival which will run till May 24 .

Comment