Grand prix, bike peace rally, music mark Day 3
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, May 22 2025: Cultural displays including Grand prix featuring traditional wooden bike contests and musical performances marked the third day of the ongoing 5th state-level Shirui Lily festival, here, on Thursday.

A total of eight contestants participated in the Grand prix held at the Heritage Ground Vangayan, Shirui village - the venue for the opening ceremony of the five-day festival.

Thousands of curious attendees witnessed the traditional skills of riding the wooden bikes which consisted of only three wooden wheels and frames.

Ahead of the Grand prix, a lineup of popular Tangkhul artistes like Shimreingam Horam, Yurleichan Mahongnao, Horyaola Kashung, Winso Chamroy and others enthralled the gathering with their musical performances.

Grand prix, bike peace rally, music mark Day 3

Meanwhile, a motor bike rally participated by several riders' clubs from across the country was organised to spread a message of peace in the state.

The 5th SLMR 2025, themed "Motor Rally for Peace in Manipur," was organised by the Hao Riders.

The rally was flagged off from Bakshi Ground by a representative of MLA Khashkn Vashum, due to official commitments of the latter.

The rally participants from different states were urged to serve as ambassadors of peace, encouraging them to share the beauty of Shirui Lily and the peaceful message of the rally.

Hao Riders general secretary Chilian Leisan expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment and spirit of brotherhood, stating: "Let peace bloom like Shirui Lily".

He informed that a total of 12 riders' clubs from various states participated in the rally including Royal Brothers (Senapati), Ememei Riders (Senapati), Zeliro Venturez, Royal Motors (Manipur), Free soul Riders (Tripura), Goa MC, Rebel's Rider (Karbi Anglong), Iron Horse (Kolkata), Native Throttlers, Keishal The wolves Tribe, and Rider visitors/Solo riders (Manipur) .

Grand prix, bike peace rally, music mark Day 3

The rally wrapped up at the Heritage Ground, Vangayan, Shirui village.

On Thursday, the festival, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Manipur's state flower, the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium Mackliniae), began with a thought-provoking panel discussion and workshop by Mariwala Health Initiative at TBG 125 Hall, Mission Compound, Alungtang Hunphun.

Panellists delved into crucial topics like cultural assimilation, the art of storytelling for small communities, and the vital task of archiving forgotten histories.

The intellectual morning concluded with a compelling poetry open mic session, offering a platform for powerful regional voices.

The "SheChef Competition" heated up with its second round, as culinary talents prepared innovative vegetarian dishes inspired by their ancestral roots.

Local food enthusiasts and visitors savoured the creative culinary displays.

For adventure and leisure seekers, Phangrei and Jorcheng buzzed with activity.

Thrill-seekers enjoyed MTB trail runs, ziplining, zorbing, and ATV rides.

As dusk settled, a serene bonfire concert and acoustic evening provided a relaxed and soulful backdrop for festivalgoers.

The energy crescendoed at Bakshi Ground with the highly anticipated ShiRock music performances.

Folk singer Benita Laishram performs at the Shirui Lily Festival 2025

The Shirui Lily Festival serves as a crucial platform to honour and conserve the endangered 'Lilium Mackliniae' .

This unique flower blooms exclusively in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul, making the region's specific conditions indispensable for its growth.

The festival continues to promise excitement with two more days of diverse events.

Day 4 will feature a mini-marathon, wrestling competitions, and a tug-of-war.

It will feature the highly anticipated Round 3 of SheChef and the glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant.

Day 5, the grand finale on Saturday, will culminate with a spectacular closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground.

Suman Billa; Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, will grace the event as the Chief Guest.

Furthermore, the final round of the SheChef competition will take place, bringing the five-day celebration to a memorable close.

(With inputs from agencies) .