Prep for Shirui Lily Festival complete: Director
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 18 2025: Informing that all the preparations for the Shirui Lily Festival, set to be held from May 20 to 24 by the Tourism Department in four venues in Ukhrul, is complete, Tourism director Pooja Elangbam has stated that strict security measures would be taken up to prevent occurrence of any unwanted incidents.

In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle with regard to conduct of the Shirui Lily Festival on Sunday, Pooja said that the fifth edition of the festival being organised after a gap of two years would be inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Shirui village ground.

Tourism director Pooja Elangbam

Other cultural performances and fashion shows along with the Shirui Lily Music Festival would be held at the village as well as other venues with the football tournament to be played at Ukhrul Headquarter.

Other unique events such as adventure activities would be organised which would be attractive for visitors from outside, while also enjoying the scenic view of Ukhrul, she conveyed.

The director continued that a two-day Shirui Lily Literature Festival would also be held to provide a platform for young writers and bibliophiles.

In addition, a stall to impart usage of AI would be set up in the festival.

As such, this year's edition would be able to bring in all the communities and help spread awareness on how to preserve Shirui Lily, the environment and eco-tourism areas.

On top of this, the festival would help boost the economy of the district in particular and the state in general.

Thus, she expressed firm believe that the people of Ukhrul would heartily welcome the visitors, while adding that a social media campaign is being carried out in collaboration with the national media and local teams to put Ukhrul and Shirui Luly on the tourist map of the country.

Regarding the threats made by KSO, Delhi president Paozakhup Guite against attending the festival, Pooja informed that strict security measures are in place along Imphal-Ukhrul route in preparation of the festival.

For this, a security committee led by the DGP has been formed, which includes SPs of every district.

Armed forces such as Manipur police, army, BSF and CRPF would be deployed for security and they would also be stationed in Ukhrul.

Local volunteers have also extended their support to prevent any unwanted incidents, she maintained, urging the people not to panic over statements by anti-social elements.

Pooja then informed that MST would operate bus service thrice daily for the festival to and from the ISBT, Khuman Lampak.

The bus would leave ISBT at 7 am, 8.15 am and 8 am daily.

Helicopter services are also available for the festival, she added.