Shirui Lily festival: Veronica Awungshi is Miss Spring 2018

Veronica Awungshi bagged the coveted Miss Spring 2018 title during a night long state level beauty pageant held at Bakshi ground in Ukhrul town,84 km north east of Imphal on April 25 Wednesday.

The beauty pageant – Miss Spring 2018 was organised as part of the five-day state level Shirui Lily festival at the hill town of Manipur. The festival aims to spread awareness about conservation of the endangered Shirui Lily and promote the district of Ukhrul as a tourist destination in Northeast.

Verocina went home richer as she was awarded a cheque of INR 2 lakh. This 21-year old Tangkhul girl who is currently studying in the national capital, is the daughter of one Somi Awungshi of T Hundung village in Ukhrul.

Meanwhile the best graceful walk title was awarded to Danube Kangjam, best hair title to Wungchanphy Lungleng, best personality title to Sushna Maibam and best arms and legs title to Sushma Longjam after the beautiful belles were scrutinised by a panel jury during the show.

Altogether 15 beautiful girls from different communities settling in the state took part in the beauty and brain contest based on traditional Tangkhul concept of Laa Khganganui/Ngala Khangayan.

The beauty pageant which also harps on the basic elements of Spring-rebirth, rejuvenate, re-growth, carries the substance of love, modesty, purity and peace which is akin to the essence of a young maiden girl, according to the organiser of the show which feature de Asa  Kazingmei, fashion designer, Thotreichan Sasa, fashion stylist & choreographer, Hormung hair & make-up artist.

Meanwhile on the 3rd day of the Shirui Lily Festival, different form of traditional dances including the traditional Maibi and Thougal Jagoi by state artists with flavours from singers and musicians performs at the TNL ground in Ukhrul. Artistes from Assam also performed the famous Jhumur Dance.

Cultural troupe from Phaibung village presented a traditional dance while State Shumang Leela Council presented a Shumang Leela, a traditional courtyard play. People from different parts of the country and foreign nations are also visiting the festival.

The Shirui Lily festival will conclude on April 28.

Our Correspondent