Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Inaugurates 5th Edition of Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village

Ukhrul, May 20: The scenic Shirui village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district came alive today with the vibrant inauguration of the much-anticipated Shirui Lily Festival 2025. The opening ceremony, held at Heritage Ground, Vangayan, marked the beginning of a five-day-long celebration that celebrates the rare and endemic Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae).

Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), and Tennyson Kashung, President of Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL), attended as Special Guests.

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The program began at 11:30 AM with a festival trumpet, invocation, and welcome presentation. In his keynote address, Governor Bhalla emphasized the ecological and cultural significance of the festival.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla in his speech said, “Shirui Lily Festival is a vibrant celebration that showcases not only the breathtaking natural beauty of Manipur but also the rich cultural legacy of its people.”

The Governor hailed the festival as a tribute to the Shirui Lily, a rare botanical marvel found only in the Shirui Hills as he said, “This rare flower is a living symbol of Manipur’s ecological wealth and natural heritage. The festival is a call to action, a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect this endangered species and the environment it thrives in.”

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This year marks the fifth edition of the festival and the 75th anniversary of the lily’s discovery, a milestone Governor Bhalla described as “a moment of pride that reconnects us with our ecological past and our cultural present.”

He further highlighted the festival’s dual purpose, promoting sustainable tourism and fostering environmental awareness, and called Ukhrul the “crown jewel of Manipur’s hill districts,” and added, “The Shirui Lily is not just a flower; it is a fragile marvel of nature that blooms only within the unique microclimate of the Shirui Hills. It cannot be transplanted elsewhere, which makes this region not just its birthplace, but also its only sanctuary. This festival, therefore, is also a call to action-a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect this endangered species and the environment it thrives in.”

“Ukhrul, often called the crown jewel of Manipur’s hill districts, is a destination in itself. With its rolling green hills, pristine forests, and deep-rooted traditions, it offers every visitor an authentic experience steeped in nature and culture. From the trek to the iconic Shirui Peak, to the exploration of the ancient Khangkhui Lime Caves, and a visit to the Longpi pottery village, known for its distinctive black pottery- Ukhrul truly has something for everyone. As we stand together in celebration today, let us also reaffirm our commitment-to conserve, to protect, and to cherish. Let this festival not only entertain and inspire, but also ignite a deeper sense of environmental stewardship and cultural pride,” he remarked.

The inaugural event featured a host of cultural exhibitions including performances by Benita Laishram and her troupe, Featherheads, Ringui Mototmi Cultural Dance Troupe, and Kom Cultural Dance group delivered a stunning cultural performance. A special poem titled “Princess of Mount Shirui” was recited to mark the significance of the lily.

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The Governor also oversaw the input distribution under the Farmer FIRST Programme by ICAR, New Delhi, to benefit farmers from Shangshak Khullen, Ukhrul.

Following the official speeches, Soyo A Wungsek, Headman of Shirui Aze, delivered the vote of thanks.

The Governor then inaugurated the State Level Flower Show Competition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the opening of the Art Residency cum Exhibition.

The post-lunch session included a pork eating competition, a chef competition, and a cultural program with entertainment that lasted until the evening.