Shirui Lily Festival Concludes Peacefully in Ukhrul

Ukhrul, May 24: The five-day 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival concluded peacefully and in spectacular fashion on Saturday, celebrating Manipur’s rich cultural diversity, natural heritage, arts, and musical talent. ShiRock, headlined by the popular band Bombay Vikings and featuring local bands Featherheads and Not Funny from Ukhrul, added to the electrifying finale, which drew large crowds despite a light drizzle on the final day.

Among the multilayered event at the State Festival, Esme Singh Shaiza from Ukhrul was crowned Miss Shirui Lily 2025 in a dazzling ceremony that celebrated beauty, grace, and cultural pride at Heritage Ground in Shirui village. Disti Athokpam Devi was named the first runner-up, while Esther Somungla secured the second runner-up position. The pageant, a highlight of the Shirui Lily Festival, showcased the talent and elegance of young women from across the state.

Throughout the festival, visitors enjoyed a variety of cultural activities such as acoustic music evenings at Jorjeng, Shirui hills hiking, traditional games (mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling matches), fashion, sports activities, cooking competition, exhibition and displays of tribal cuisine at Heritage Ground Vangayan in Shirui village and Ukhrul headquarters ground. Adventure sports at Phangrei, including ziplining and ATV biking, brought thrills to the scenic hills of Ukhrul.

The festival, held in the picturesque Ukhrul headquarters, also marked the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), Manipur’s state flower.

The five-day Shirui Lily Festival opened with a grand ceremony in Heritage Ground Vangayan, Shirui village, showcasing Tangkhul Naga traditions and crafts. A focus on ecological awareness around the endangered lily was a central theme. This was followed by opening of ShiRock in the evening at Bakshi Ground, Ukhrul.

Shirui Lily Festival 2025 also saw the first-ever launch of Shirui Lily Literature Festival under the theme, Literature as a timeless bridge between generations held from 21-22 May 2025 at TBG 125 Hall, Mission Compound, Alungtang, Ukhrul. The Shirui Lily Literature Festival 2025 brought together a compelling mix of voices from across and beyond the Northeast. Featured speakers include Deepthi Talwar, Mmhonlumo Kikon, Ankush Saikia, Raile Rocky Ziipao, Jim Wungramyao Kasom, Hermyne Khaling, David Yambem, Leisan Lungshai Luikham, Subi Taba, Iknguira L. Shimray, Phayam Raleng, Chonchuirinmayo Luithui Pheiray and Rosemary Ishorari from the Northeast India AV Archive in Shillong. Together, they represented a wide spectrum of perspectives, genres, and lived experiences that reflect the diversity and literary vitality of the Northeast region.

After a two-year hiatus, the much-anticipated MTB Downhill Championship organised by Chiko Adventures, Ukhrul, made a thrilling comeback as part of the Shirui Lily State Festival. Enthusiasts and professional riders took to the rugged trails, marking a dynamic return of the adrenaline-pumping event that has become a festival favorite over the years. The championship added an adventurous edge to the cultural celebration, drawing large crowds and showcasing Manipur’s potential as a destination for eco and adventure tourism.

Another highlight of the festival was the EAST Traditional and Textile Show, held as part of the ongoing Shirui Lily Festival, marked a meaningful celebration of the Tangkhul community’s rich cultural heritage, artistic expression, and evolving identity. The show featured unique segments that explored the preservation of culture in a digital era; Among the segments, Muse Game challenged conventional views of the traditional Kashan textile, showcasing its versatility through modern styling; and the Runway presented a floral-inspired collection paying tribute to Shirui Kashong and the weavers who uphold the community’s identity. The event highlighted the evolving narrative of Tangkhul textiles and their relevance in both cultural preservation and contemporary expression.

Other activities included the 75th Anniversary Memorial structure was unveiled. The evening featured the Shirui Gospel Rock concert, traditional games, and the launch of film screenings and a Peace Bike Rally organised by the Hao Riders.

The festival, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur concluded with the official closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground with Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, as Chief Guest, and Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps, as Guest of Honour. The event featured performances by Zaishin Dance Studio, children from Pam’s Kindergarten, and gospel music by the Jesus Heart Team, alongside addresses from distinguished dignitaries.