Manipur is set to revive one of its flagship cultural events as the 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival returns from May 20 to 24 in Ukhrul district. The announcement comes after a two-year suspension caused by the crisis that has gripped the state since May 3, 2023.
Under the leadership of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the state government has decided to resume the celebration following a period of relative calm that has emerged since the imposition of President’s Rule in February. The decision reflects cautious optimism about improving security conditions and represents a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to restore normalcy.
“The festival is a calendar programme with dedicated budget allocation,” Tourism Director Pooja Elangbam told The People’s Chronicle in an exclusive interview. She acknowledged the unfortunate interruptions the event has faced, having been suspended for four out of the last five years – first due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, then again in 2023 due to widespread violence and unrest.
This year’s festival holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), Manipur’s state flower and the centerpiece of the festival. The rare bloom, which grows exclusively on the Shirui hill ranges in Ukhrul district, was discovered in 1946 by British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward, who named it after his wife Jean Macklin.
Governor Bhalla convened a meeting with the festival organizing committee at Raj Bhavan on April 2, resulting in the decision to extend the event to five days this year – one day longer than previous editions. Seven sub-committees have been established to oversee various aspects of the festival, with each instructed to submit proposals to the chief secretary for final approval of the programme arrangements.
The Shirui Lily has achieved international recognition for its exceptional beauty and rarity, winning the prestigious Merit Prize at the Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show in London in 1948. It thrives only at altitudes between 1,730 and 2,590 meters above sea level in its natural habitat on the Shirui hills.
What is Shirui Lily Festival ?
The Shirui Lily Festival honours the delicate and endangered Lilium Mackliniae, which blooms only in the Shirui Hills — a region that cannot support replanting elsewhere. The festival coincides with the flower’s peak blooming season, highlighting its ecological significance. This celebration provides a platform for diverse communities and tribes to unite, explore Ukhrul’s stunning landscapes, and gain insights into the indigenous Tangkhul Naga tribe. Trekking to the summit of Shirui Hills offers an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and adventurers, with the rare flower as a mesmerizing spectacle.
This year’s festival promises a vibrant five-day extravaganza featuring traditional and cultural performances, including live music, folk dances, indigenous games like the Shirui Lily Grand Prix, art and craft exhibitions, and culinary delights showcasing local ethnic cuisine. Adventure enthusiasts can participate in activities like camping and biking, while the popular SHiROCK music festival will showcase a wide array of performances—from pulsating rock and metal to energetic pop, hip hop, and electronic music. Past editions have seen international bands like Nazareth and Extreme perform, and this year promises an equally thrilling lineup with Indian and global acts.
Additional attractions include the Shirui Lily Literature Festival, a Trash Collection Marathon, SheChef cooking competition, drone light show, traditional weaving and textile exhibition, and the Miss Shirui Lily pageant. The festival will be held across multiple venues: the Shirui Village (where the opening ceremony takes place), TNL Ground, Phangrei, and Bakshi Ground, culminating in a grand closing ceremony on May 24th.
