The fourth day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival unfolded with vibrant cultural expressions, spirited competitions, and a blend of music, food, and tradition, continuing the grand celebration of the 75th anniversary of Manipur ’s iconic state flower — the Shirui Lily.
Held across several venues in Ukhrul district, the day kicked off at HQ Ground Ukhrul with traditional competitions including Maloikhangakhun (tug of war), Khangatuk (wrestling), and Zeipha-kaphar (javelin throw).
At the Heritage Ground in Vangayan, Shirui Village, the festivities picked up momentum with an entertainment session and a mountain mini-marathon, drawing enthusiastic participation.
Adding to the cultural charm was the third round of SheChef, a unique culinary competition based on childhood memory dishes, held beside the Heritage Ground from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
The beauty and tradition of the region were on full display during the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant, held alongside other entertainment events and a lively bonfire.
Evening festivities shifted to Bakshi Ground from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, where the Shirock music concert featured performances by notable bands including OKING CHAPTER (Ukhrul), GMP THE BAND (Tamenglong), AROGYA (Sikkim/Assam), INNER SANCTUM (Bangalore), and GUTSLIT (Mumbai).
Simultaneously, film enthusiasts gathered at TTA Hall for screenings of regional films — Dangterii (11:30 am), Kainkhol (1:30 pm), and Mayo Zingran (3:30 pm). These films were also showcased at Jorcheng, a venue open 24 hours.
Sports lovers enjoyed football matches at Ramngashim Turf Ground, adding to the festival's inclusive appeal.
The five-day festival, hosted by the Manipur Department of Tourism after a two-year hiatus, brings together diverse communities and tribes in a celebration of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness .
It also provides a unique opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of Ukhrul, Manipur’s highest hill station located about 83 kilometers east of Imphal, home to the indigenous Tangkhul Naga tribe.
The event also emphasizes conservation efforts for the endangered Lilium Mackliniae — the Shirui Lily — a rare pinkish-white flower found only in the Shirui Hills and cannot support replanting elsewhere.
First discovered by botanist Dr. Frank Kingdon Ward in 1946 and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower gained global acclaim when it was awarded a prestigious merit by the Royal Horticultural Society at the London Flower Show in 1950.
The festival will conclude on May 24 with a grand closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground, attended by Chief Guest Suman Billa, IAS, director general of the ministry of tourism. The final round of SheChef will also take place, wrapping up the five-day celebration on a high note.
Held across several venues in Ukhrul district, the day kicked off at HQ Ground Ukhrul with traditional competitions including Maloikhangakhun (tug of war), Khangatuk (wrestling), and Zeipha-kaphar (javelin throw).
At the Heritage Ground in Vangayan, Shirui Village, the festivities picked up momentum with an entertainment session and a mountain mini-marathon, drawing enthusiastic participation.
Adding to the cultural charm was the third round of SheChef, a unique culinary competition based on childhood memory dishes, held beside the Heritage Ground from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
The beauty and tradition of the region were on full display during the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant, held alongside other entertainment events and a lively bonfire.
Evening festivities shifted to Bakshi Ground from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, where the Shirock music concert featured performances by notable bands including OKING CHAPTER (Ukhrul), GMP THE BAND (Tamenglong), AROGYA (Sikkim/Assam), INNER SANCTUM (Bangalore), and GUTSLIT (Mumbai).
Simultaneously, film enthusiasts gathered at TTA Hall for screenings of regional films — Dangterii (11:30 am), Kainkhol (1:30 pm), and Mayo Zingran (3:30 pm). These films were also showcased at Jorcheng, a venue open 24 hours.
Sports lovers enjoyed football matches at Ramngashim Turf Ground, adding to the festival's inclusive appeal.
The five-day festival, hosted by the Manipur Department of Tourism after a two-year hiatus, brings together diverse communities and tribes in a celebration of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness .
It also provides a unique opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of Ukhrul, Manipur’s highest hill station located about 83 kilometers east of Imphal, home to the indigenous Tangkhul Naga tribe.
The event also emphasizes conservation efforts for the endangered Lilium Mackliniae — the Shirui Lily — a rare pinkish-white flower found only in the Shirui Hills and cannot support replanting elsewhere.
First discovered by botanist Dr. Frank Kingdon Ward in 1946 and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower gained global acclaim when it was awarded a prestigious merit by the Royal Horticultural Society at the London Flower Show in 1950.
The festival will conclude on May 24 with a grand closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground, attended by Chief Guest Suman Billa, IAS, director general of the ministry of tourism. The final round of SheChef will also take place, wrapping up the five-day celebration on a high note.
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