Cultural, musical events mark second day
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, May 26 2022: Day two of the ongoing 4th State Level Shirui Lily Festival witnessed a myriad of lively cultural and musical performances from different communities of the state here at Shirui Village Ground on Thursday.

The day two ceremony was attended by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah as chief guest and Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president David K Shimray as guest of honour.

Speaking as the chief guest, MLA Muivah said that Tangkhul community has a long history of 'Sangahan, Changahan', a culture of hospitality of its own, adding that "This age-old culture means hospitality, politeness and selflessness towards others".

He appealed to all the people of Ukhrul district to display this ancient culture to make the festive attendees from the outside feel at home and let them enjoy their stay here.

"It's our wish that all visitors and tourists alike leave with fond memories of Shirui Lily Festival to be cherished ever", he said.

Muivah also lauded the state government for upgrading the festival from the district level to the status of a state festival in 2017."Today, this grand state festival is a legacy of our chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh", he remarked.

An unscheduled visit of Transport minister Khashim Vashum along with his better half Planning Vashum and Chandel MLA SS Olish also added to vibrancy of the celebration.

Addressing the gathering, minister Khashim Vashum who is also the chairman of the district level organising committee, conveyed the greetings of the state government to all the organisers and festive attendees from across the state and other parts of the country.

"This must be a touch of divine blessing that the wet and cloudy weather has opened up to a clear, sunny day today.

Our CM and all the ministers are happy to learn of this," he added.

Vashum also thanked MLA Olish for positively responding to his request to attend the festival.

Meanwhile, the lone Naga woman MLA Olish was accorded a warm reception by Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), the women league of the district, upon her arrival at the festival venue.

Flanked by minister Vashum, Planning Vashum and MLA Olish.

MLA Muivah also inaugurated a flower exhibition on the day.

During the celebration, a slew of cultural and traditional events including Tangkhul Pheichak, Manipuri dance, Gujarati dance, Mizo dance, Tarao dance and others were showcased.

As a part of the celebration, a traditional pork eating competition was also organised with participation from 10 pork loving persons including three women.

Legendary folk singer Guru Rewben Mashangva and popular Tangkhul artistes like Thangmeiso Shinglai, Hw Kingsword, SW Oshim, Shimreingam Horam, Yarshim Wungshek and others enthralled the audience with their scintillating musical performances.

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