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New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Naga organisations slam radical group Arambai Tenggol for ‘hoisting' Meitei flag on Shirui peak
GUWAHATI: Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol has ruffled the feathers of Naga organisations in Manipur's Ukhrul district by allegedly 'hoisting' the Meitei flag on the Shirui peak during the ongoing Shirui Lily festival. The Tangkhul Nagas revere the Shirui Hill, which is 97 km from the state capital, Imphal. Most major rivers in the region originate from the crevices and slopes of Shirui Peak, located at an altitude of 2,835 metres. The festival is a solemn celebration of Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), which is Manipur's state flower, Tangkhul land and the enduring spirit of the community. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the five-day and state government-sponsored festival on May 20. The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) said it was an utterly 'disgraceful and despicable' attempt by Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the festival for petty and dirty political gains at the wrong place and time. 'Do you even care to know that the Shirui Lily festival is a celebration dedicated to the truth of the inexplicable wonders of God's creations? That tiny, innocuous flower blossoming and blooming lusciously on a picturesque hilltop evokes so much of an aura and excitement,' said TNL president Sword Vashum said.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Arambai Tenggol flag hoisted on Manipur's Shirui peak, Nagas angry
GUWAHATI: The Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group, has angered the Nagas by allegedly hoisting its flag on the Shirui peak in Manipur's Ukhrul district during the five-day Shirui Lily Festival that ends May 25. The Tangkhul Naga community considers the 9,304 ft Shirui peak sacred as many rivers and streams originate from it. The endemic and seasonal Shirui lily (Lilium mackliniae), celebrated through an annual festival organised by Manipur Tourism, derives its name from this peak. Midway through the Shirui Lily Festival, which was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on May 21, a group of people claiming to be members of the Arambai Tenggol's Cobra Team – Unit 58 put up a 'seven-coloured Meitei flag' on the peak. The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), an apex student body, condemned the hoisting of the flag and said it was a 'deliberate political provocation' and 'an insult' to the identity, culture, and territorial sanctity of Tangkhul Nagas. 'The Shirui Lily Festival is a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people. To carry out this kind of symbolic aggression in sacred Tangkhul territory is a calculated attempt to disrupt peace and politicise a neutral cultural platform,' the TKS said in a statement. The organisation said any repetition of such 'reckless and inflammatory' action will not go unchallenged. 'While the Tangkhul people have traditionally welcomed all visitors to the Shirui Lily Festival with open arms, their hospitality must not be mistaken for weakness,' it added. The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex social body of the Tangkhuls, also slammed the 'utterly disgraceful and despicable attempt by the Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the Shirui Lily Festival for petty and dirty political gains at the wrong place and time'. 'Do you even care to know that the Shirui Lily Festival is a celebration dedicated to the truth of the inexplicable wonders of God's creations? The tiny flower, Shirui lily, blooming on a picturesque hilltop evokes an aura and excitement, requiring us to maintain humanity's dignity,' TNL president Sword Vashum said. He said the Nagas and Meiteis, brought within the same geographical boundaries by the British rulers in 1891, do not have a common history or heritage. 'Therefore, we should settle for good neighbourliness,' he said.
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 !
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- India Gazette
Manipur Governor inaugurates 5th Shirui Lily Festival, calls for peace and growth in eco-tourism
Manipur [India], May 21 (ANI): Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village in Ukhrul district. At the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bhalla expressed his happiness, saying, '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.' The festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), found only in the Shirui Hills. The Governor described it as 'a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage.' He added, 'The state flower, Shirui Lily, is not just a pride for this Ukhrul region but for the entire state and the country.' Emphasizing the importance of eco-tourism, Governor Bhalla said, 'This is an important eco-tourism attraction that we can promote well. Of course, we need to improve infrastructure, but with a focused government approach, I am hopeful that in the coming years, this place will become a key destination on India's tourism map--and even globally.' Governor Bhalla also stressed peace and unity, urging communities to come together. 'I want to send a message that such beautiful places are not for conflicts but for harmony. Differences of opinion may exist, but they should not hinder celebrations like this. I appeal to everyone, especially people from all sides of the valley, to come together and enjoy the festival in unity. Our common people want to celebrate and enjoy these moments, and we should support that.' 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. The delicate Shirui Lily blooms only in the unique microclimate of the Shirui Hills and cannot be grown elsewhere, making this region its only sanctuary. The Governor reminded all, 'For this year, our message is to bring peace back to the state. The theme is celebrating peace and harmony in diversity.' As the festival celebrates nature and culture, Governor Bhalla called upon everyone to cherish and protect Manipur's rich heritage. 'The red flower is a living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage. Organised with this dual vision of promoting sustainable ecotourism and environmental awareness,' he said. The Shirui Lily Festival continues to inspire pride and environmental responsibility while fostering unity among Manipur's diverse communities. Visitors and locals alike shared their excitement about the festival's vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness. 'Our villagers have been very helpful in organising the event. We are preparing everything carefully, from welcoming guests to managing festivities. Everyone here is eager to host visitors warmly and make them feel at home,' said Soyo Wungsek, Headman of Shirui Village. 'The festival is lively and vibrant, attracting many tourists. The cultural programs and natural beauty together create a memorable experience. It's evident that the organisers have put in great effort to make this event a success,' said Anushka Karlwal, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh attending the festival. 'I'm really impressed by the hospitality and the unique charm of this place.' 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)
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.
