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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
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shirui Lily festival: A five-day celebration of culture, nature and adventure in Manipur's Ukhrul
Shirui Lily festival After a two-year break, the Manipur Department of Tourism will host the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival from May 20th to 24th, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Manipur's iconic state flower. The event also aims to raise awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily, a unique plant found only in the Shirui Hills of Manipur. The festival will take place at several locations, including Shirui Village (where the opening ceremony will be held), TNL Ground, Phangrei, and Bakshi Ground, with a grand closing ceremony on May 24th. This celebration offers a platform for various communities and tribes to unite, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ukhrul, and learn about the indigenous Tangkhul Naga tribe . Ukhrul, Manipur's highest hill station, is located about 83 kilometers east of Imphal and is predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Nagas, one of the region's oldest and most vibrant tribes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More Undo About the festival The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the delicate and endangered Lilium Mackliniae , which blooms exclusively in the Shirui Hills — a region that cannot support replanting elsewhere. The festival takes place during the peak blooming season of the flower, underscoring its ecological importance. This year's five-day celebration will feature a wide range of activities, including traditional cultural performances, live music, folk dances and indigenous games such as the Shirui Lily Grand Prix. There will also be art and craft exhibitions and local ethnic cuisine on display. Adventure seekers can enjoy camping and biking activities, while the SHiROCK music festival will offer performances ranging from rock and metal to pop, hip hop, and electronic music. Other highlights include the Shirui Lily Literature Festival, a Trash Collection Marathon, the SheChef cooking competition, a drone light show, traditional weaving and textile exhibitions, and the Miss Shirui Lily pageant. Shirui Lily – The iconic state flower of Manipur The Shirui Lily is a rare and captivating pinkish-white flower found only in the Shirui Hill range in Ukhrul district, about 83 kilometers from Imphal. Named after Jean Macklin, the wife of botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward, who first discovered the flower in 1946, the Shirui Lily gained worldwide recognition when it was awarded a prestigious merit by the Royal Horticultural Society at its London Flower Show in 1950. Reaching a height of about a foot, the lily's bell-shaped flowers create a breathtaking display during its flowering season, which runs from April to June. The hills of Shirui, covered with these vibrant lilies, offer stunning panoramic views, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
