Day four of Shirui Lily festival: Cultural splendor peaks with mini-marathon, wrestling, Shechef, and rock concerts
The fourth day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival unfolded with vibrant cultural expressions, spirited competitions, and a blend of music, food, and tradition, continuing the grand celebration of the 75th anniversary of
Manipur
's iconic state flower — the Shirui Lily.
Held across several venues in Ukhrul district, the day kicked off at HQ Ground Ukhrul with traditional competitions including Maloikhangakhun (tug of war), Khangatuk (wrestling), and Zeipha-kaphar (javelin throw).
At the Heritage Ground in Vangayan, Shirui Village, the festivities picked up momentum with an entertainment session and a mountain mini-marathon, drawing enthusiastic participation.
Adding to the cultural charm was the third round of SheChef, a unique culinary competition based on childhood memory dishes, held beside the Heritage Ground from 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm.
The beauty and tradition of the region were on full display during the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant, held alongside other entertainment events and a lively bonfire.
Evening festivities shifted to Bakshi Ground from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm, where the Shirock music concert featured performances by notable bands including OKING CHAPTER (Ukhrul), GMP THE BAND (Tamenglong), AROGYA (Sikkim/Assam), INNER SANCTUM (Bangalore), and GUTSLIT (Mumbai).
Simultaneously, film enthusiasts gathered at TTA Hall for screenings of regional films — Dangterii (11.30 am), Kainkhol (1.30 pm), and Mayo Zingran (3.30 pm). These films were also showcased at Jorcheng, a venue open 24 hours.
Sports lovers enjoyed football matches at Ramngashim Turf Ground, adding to the festival's inclusive appeal.
The five-day festival, hosted by the Manipur Department of Tourism after a two-year hiatus, brings together diverse communities and tribes in a celebration of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness.
It also provides a unique opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of Ukhrul, Manipur's highest hill station located about 83 kilometers east of Imphal, home to the indigenous Tangkhul Naga tribe.
The event also emphasizes conservation efforts for the endangered Lilium Mackliniae — the Shirui Lily — a rare pinkish-white flower found only in the Shirui Hills and cannot support replanting elsewhere.
First discovered by botanist Dr.
Frank Kingdon Ward in 1946 and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower gained global acclaim when it was awarded a prestigious merit by the Royal Horticultural Society at the London Flower Show in 1950.
The festival will conclude on May 24 with a grand closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground, attended by Chief Guest Suman Billa, IAS, director general of the ministry of tourism. The final round of SheChef will also take place, wrapping up the five-day celebration on a high note.
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Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Manipur's 5-day Shirui Lily Festival celebrates heritage, conservation, and community
The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival concluded on Saturday in Manipur's Ukhrul district, capping five days of cultural celebration, ecological awareness, and community participation. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival marked the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae)—the state's iconic and endangered flower found only in the Shirui Hills. Held after a two-year break, the festival ran from May 20 to 24 across multiple venues, including Shirui Village, Bakshi Ground, Phangrei, and TNL Ground. This year's edition drew thousands of visitors from across the country, spotlighting Manipur's natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure tourism potential. Throughout the week, the festival hosted a diverse array of events. Cultural showcases included traditional Tangkhul Naga dances, indigenous games like wrestling and tug-of-war, and the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant that celebrated local identity and grace. Each day had something unique with Day 1 that saw the festival open in Shirui Village with an inaugural ceremony that highlighted Tangkhul Naga customs, traditional performances, indigenous crafts, and a strong message of ecological responsibility centered on the endangered Shirui Lily. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shop Directly from Adidas Franchise Stores – Up to 50% OFF Original Adidas Shop Now Undo Day 2 featured the unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Memorial structure, while the Shirui Gospel Rock concert brought spiritual energy to the stage. The first round of the SheChef culinary contest began, alongside traditional games, live music, and the start of a regional film screening series. Day 3 included a Bike Peace Rally promoting unity, the second round of SheChef focusing on vegetarian cuisine, and a bonfire concert under the stars. The SHiROCK music festival continued to draw large crowds with performances from artists across India. On Day 4 (May 23), the festival hosted a mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions, along with SheChef's third round, where contestants crafted dishes inspired by childhood memories. The evening was lit up by the glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 pageant. Finally, Day 5 brought the week-long celebration to a high-energy close with the SheChef grand finale and electrifying SHiROCK music performances. Throughout the day, visitors also enjoyed adventure sports, traditional games, diverse food stalls, and vibrant tribal exhibitions. The closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground featured performances by local artists and national rock acts as part of the SHiROCK music festival, with Bombay Vikings headlining the final night. Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, attended as Chief Guest, alongside military and civil dignitaries. Additionally, the SheChef culinary competition drew widespread attention, with four rounds themed around signature recipes, vegetarian dishes, and childhood memory meals, culminating in a grand finale. The contest not only highlighted regional flavours but also spotlighted culinary talent from Manipur's growing food scene. Literature and storytelling found their space through the Shirui Lily Literature Festival and workshops conducted by the Mariwala Health Initiative. Topics ranged from decolonising narratives and archiving forgotten histories to the use of visual media in storytelling- showcasing the region's intellectual and artistic voices. For the adventure-seeking crowd, venues like Phangrei and Jorcheng offered mountain biking trails, ziplining, zorbing, and camping. Each day ended with acoustic evenings, bonfires, and SHiROCK concerts that drew large audiences. Another highlight was the unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Memorial dedicated to the Shirui Lily, symbolising both pride and the urgent need for conservation. Film screenings of regional cinema took place daily at TTA Hall and Jorcheng. In a push for sustainable tourism, the Manipur Tourism Department also launched a homestay registration portal under the Central government's RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) scheme, aimed at empowering local communities and boosting eco-tourism infrastructure. Discovered in 1946 by British botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the Shirui Lily blooms only between April and June in the high-altitude Shirui Hills. It cannot be cultivated elsewhere, making conservation efforts critical. The festival is timed with the flower's natural bloom, blending ecological advocacy with cultural pride. Tourism officials said that the festival aims not only to celebrate the lily but also to promote eco-tourism, encourage sustainable development, and provide a platform for local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs. It also serves as a symbol of unity for Manipur's diverse communities and tribes.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Shirui Lily Festival ends with vibrant cultural shows and music, celebrating Manipur's iconic bloom
The fifth and final day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival concluded on a vibrant note, showcasing Manipur 's rich cultural tapestry, traditional heritage, and musical talent. Held in the Ukhrul district, the grand finale wrapped up a five-day celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare and iconic Shirui Lily — Lilium Mackliniae, the state flower of Manipur. The day began at Bakshi Ground with the official closing ceremony featuring Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, as the Chief Guest and Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps, as Guest of Honour. The event included a choreography performance by Zaishin Dance Studio, a special song by Pam's Kindergarten, worship songs by the Jesus Heart Team, and speeches from dignitaries. The evening came alive with SHiROCK performances at Heritage Ground in Shirui Village, headlined by Bombay Vikings, along with local bands Featherheads and Not Funny from Ukhrul. Acoustic evenings, tribal cuisine, traditional games, and adventure sports like ziplining and ATV biking added more excitement. Highlights from the week-long festival Day 1 (May 20): The festival kicked off at Shirui Village with an inaugural ceremony showcasing Tangkhul Naga customs. Cultural performances, indigenous crafts, and a message of ecological awareness around the endangered lily set the tone. Day 2 (May 21): The 75th Anniversary Memorial structure was unveiled, and Shirui Gospel Rock took center stage. Round 1 of SheChef (a culinary contest) and traditional games added energy, along with the start of a movie screening series and live music. Day 3 (May 22): The day featured a Bike Peace Rally, Round 2 of SheChef focused on vegetarian cuisine, and a bonfire concert. SHiROCK performances continued to draw large crowds with artists from across India. Day 4 (May 23): Highlights included a mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions, as well as Round 3 of SheChef, which showcased dishes inspired by childhood memories. The glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 pageant was also held. Day 5 (May 24): Besides the official closing ceremony, the final round of SheChef brought the culinary contest to a climax, while SHiROCK artists rocked the night with powerful music performances. Adventure activities, traditional games, food stalls, and tribal exhibitions continued throughout the day. Native only to the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul, the Shirui Lily blooms between April and June. Discovered in 1946 by British botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower earned global acclaim when it won a prestigious award at the 1950 London Flower Show. The plant's rarity and fragile habitat have made it a symbol of conservation and cultural pride in Manipur. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival not only promotes eco-tourism and local heritage but also offers a platform for unity among the diverse communities of the region. From traditional Tangkhul Naga culture to global rock bands, the Shirui Lily Festival blended the ancient with the contemporary, drawing visitors from across India and beyond.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Manipur assembly speaker attends Shirui Lily Fest in Ukhrul
Ukhrul: The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival, in its third day on Friday, witnessed the attendance of Manipur legislative assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, along with several MLAs. On Wednesday, Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Shirui village of Manipur's Ukhrul district. During the ceremony, Bhalla expressed his happiness and said, "I am very happy that I have come here; it's truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It's a very good thing for the region and the state." Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily's discovery, the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. It brings together locals, indigenous tribes, and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the vibrant culture of the Tangkhul Nagas through traditional dance, music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like É Aniversário da Shopper Fresh! Compre já Undo The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community, inspiring all to protect and preserve the unique heritage it represents. The event continues to foster unity and environmental awareness, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come. ANI Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
