Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 25 (EMN): The much awaited Shirui Lily Festival, which is the second largest tourism event after Sangai festival, kicked off in Ukhrul district after a gap of two years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic at Shirui village on Wednesday.
Manipur Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the state leaders by road to Ukhrul district to attend the inauguration function.
Speaking on the occasion, Ganesan expressed the need for a proper scientific study of Shirui lily so that the renowned flower can continue to thrive in its original habitat.
Expressing happiness that some research institute has taken up tissue culture of the plant, the governor said that, “If marketed properly, the festival can become a tourist attraction. It is not only to create awareness but also to protect the environment”.
Not only the lily, but the monsoon flowers of Shirui range and those in winter can be identified and marketed for tourists, he added.
In his speech, CM Singh said that development projects can be completed ahead of its targeted time frame if there is no issue in land acquisition, contract works and tax collection.
Later, sharing a few photographs of the inaugural function in a Facebook post, the chief minister wrote, “Over the years, the Shirui Lily Festival has become more than just a festival but also an occasion that brings the people of the hills and valley closer than ever. With this festival, visitors will get to enjoy the scenic beauty of Shirui, experience local cuisines, purchase local products like the Longpi pottery, fruits and chillies among others. This festival also gives the opportunity to promote adoption of our special Tangkhul dog breed, encourage rearing of Mithun, which is very special for the people of Ukhrul.”
The main purpose of organising the festival is to preserve the rare flower, Director of Tourism department W Ibohal Singh said. We’ll showcase the rich culture of more than 32 different tribes as each tribe has its unique culture and customs and designs so we want to showcase all the different tribes during the festival, he added.
This festival is held around April and May during the blooming season of Shirui, the state flower under the aegis of Manipur Tourism department. Spread over four days, the festival will display the traditions and cultures of the state and will be held at two venues - Shirui village and Bakshi ground in Ukhrul town.
Food stalls and commercial stalls will be opened at Shirui village ground, while Bakshi ground in Ukhrul town will be the venue for ShiRock 2022, one of the main attractions of the festival wherein more than a dozen popular Indian rock bands will give live performance daily.
Ministers Th Biswajit (Power); Letpao Haokip (Tribal Affairs); Khashim Vashum (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry); Chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Dipu Gangmei; MLAs Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah; Additional Chief Secretary, MH Khan; DGP Manipur, P Doungel and others also attended the inaugural function.