Latest news with #5thState-LevelShiruiLilyFestival
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
- Entertainment
- 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 !
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Day three of Shirui Lily festival: All about poetry, panel talks and performances
Shirui Lily festival The third day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival saw a vibrant blend of cultural expression, artistic dialogue, and adventurous activities, continuing the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Manipur's state flower, the Shirui Lily. The day began with a panel discussion and a workshop by Mariwala Health Initiative at TBG 125 Hall, Mission Compound, Alungtang Hunphun in Ukhrul. Panelists explored topics such as cultural assimilation, storytelling for small communities, and archiving forgotten histories. A poetry open mic session followed, showcasing powerful voices from the region. Meanwhile, the SheChef competition continued with Round 2, where participants prepared vegetarian dishes inspired by their roots. Local food lovers and visitors enjoyed the creativity on display. Adventure and leisure seekers flocked to Phangrei and Jorcheng, where MTB trail runs, ziplining, zorbing, and ATV rides were in full swing. As the sun set, a bonfire concert and acoustic evening created a relaxed and soulful atmosphere for festivalgoers. At Bakshi Ground, the energy peaked with the night's ShiRock music performances, featuring acts like Jay Sang, Yelhomie, Shady Mellow, Borkung Hrangkhawl, and Zephyrtone, drawing large crowds of music enthusiasts. The Shirui Lily Festival honours the rare and endangered Lilium Mackliniae , a flower that blooms only in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul. The area's unique conditions make it impossible to grow the lily elsewhere, adding to its significance. Held during the flower's peak blooming season, the festival highlights its ecological importance and the need for conservation. Looking ahead May 23: will feature a mini-marathon, wrestling, tug of war, Round 3 of SheChef (featuring childhood memory dishes), and the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant. May 24: The final day, will conclude 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. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Literature, gospel, and culinary talent shine on day two of Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul
. The second day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival on Wednesday saw a strong mix of cultural, literary, and culinary events across multiple venues in Ukhrul. The day highlighted Manipur's diverse talent and celebrated the endangered Shirui Lily, while drawing attention to local traditions and voices. The Shirui Lily Literature Festival brought together writers, editors, and readers for a day of talks and workshops. Topics included decolonising writing and using visuals in storytelling. The panel discussed 'Beyond Legends: Imaging the now in contemporary fiction.' Meanwhile, a gathering was held by the Shirui Baptist Church, followed by the unveiling of a memorial structure dedicated to the iconic flower. Gospel bands, solo vocalists, and church choirs performed throughout the morning and early afternoon. Groups like The Harvest Team, Valiant Band, and soloists from across Manipur delivered powerful performances. The SheChef cooking competition continued with Round 1, where participants presented their signature dishes, with the audience eager to sample and support homegrown culinary talent. Traditional folk dances such as Pheichak, Sao kathak (top spinning), and Saotheila were also performed, offering visitors a chance to experience the cultural richness of the region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 회생파산 상담은 진짜 변호사에게 상담을 받으셔야 합니다. 회생파산_전문사무실 더 알아보기 Undo In the evening, local artists and bands such as Martina Kom, Gaichammei Gonmei, and The Retirement performed live. Adventure sports and open-air movie screenings also ran throughout the day. MTB trail runs, camping, ziplining, and other outdoor activities also continued. Films like Eigi Kona and Motsillaba Mingsei were shown at TTA Hall, offering a window into local cinema. The festival will continue until May 24, with more cultural performances, competitions, and the much-anticipated Miss Shirui Lily pageant on the agenda. The Shirui Lily Festival honours the rare and endangered Lilium Mackliniae, a flower that blooms only in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul. The area's unique conditions make it impossible to grow the lily elsewhere, adding to its significance. Held during the flower's peak blooming season, the festival highlights its ecological importance and the need for conservation. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
