Ukhrul: As the 5th edition of the four-day-long 2023 Shirui Lily State festival draws nearer, organised by Manipur Tourism Department, from May 17 to May 20, here is a sneak peak at the flower and its stamp origin.
Shirui Lily Indian postal stamp was released by the Department of Posts (Indian Post) on March 31, 2000 for Denomination 300 paisa to raise public awareness of the rich biodiversity of Northeast region’s flora and fauna.
People in Manipur’s valley are more familiar with the term, Siroi Lily. However, the correct name of the State flower is Shirui Lily.
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The rare pinkish white flower, named Kashong Timrawon in Tangkhul dialect, Shirui Lily (Lilium Macklinae) which only bloom during spring (for about two months) at the upper range of Shirui Kashong is the State flower of Manipur.
The other popular Indian postal stamp from Manipur State is the Sangai Deer (Cervus eldi eldi) or brow-antlered deer is an endemic and endangered subspecies of Eld’s deer found only in its natural habitat, Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur.
The Department of Posts, India also issues a variety of postal stamps as a way to preserve the heritage and integrity of Indian culture across the length and breadth of the country, aside from important public and historical figures.
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It is worth noting that this year’s ShiRock, an annual rock competition organised as part of the State Shirui Lily festival of Manipur, one of the biggest rock festivals in Northeast India — arguably the biggest in the region, will witness two international bands — Orphaned Land a metal band from Tel Aviv, Israel and Bon Jovi’s tribute band Bon Giovi from the United Kingdom at Bakshi ground, Ukhrul town.
(Source: @indiapost_dop/Manipurmygov)