- IMPHAL — Hectic
preparations are on for the 5th state-level Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in
Manipur’s Ukhrul district. This will be the first state-level festival to be
held from May 20 to the 24th in the state since violence erupted in May 2023.
- The festival is organised by the state Department of Tourism
with an objective to create awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily (Lilium
mackliniae), the state flower and promote sustainable tourism in the region.
- The festival also honours the Shirui Lily, which blooms
exclusively at Shirui Kashong (Shirui Peak) in Shirui village, approximately 95
km from state capital.
- On Thursday, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired the
second organising committee meeting of Shirui Lily Festival at the conference
hall of Raj Bhavan, Imphal.
Also read: Manipur gears up for Shirui Lily Festival
- The meeting extensively covered key agendas to ensure the
seamless execution of the festival, addressing aspects such as budget
allocation, event scheduling, security measures, transportation, crowd
management, infrastructure development, accommodation arrangements, cultural
programming, promotional strategies, and interdepartmental coordination.
- Chief Secretary PK Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, commissioners,
secretaries, secretary to Governor, DCs and SPs of Ukhrul and Kamjong
districts, were present during the meeting.
- Meanwhile, the Tribal Youth Council Manipur, General
Headquarters, urged the executive committee of the 5th state-level Shirui Lily
Festival and the concerned authorities to revise the approved budget allocation
and incorporate provisions for the promotion of local entrepreneurs, farmers,
indigenous products, and disability-inclusive events.
- This is to ensure the meaningful participation of persons
with disabilities and to facilitate the immediate construction of essential
additional infrastructure at Shirui Lily Peak.
