Manipur Set To Celebrate ‘Shirui Lily Festival 2022’; Promoting Endangered State Bloom

Posted in Featured, Manipur, Northeast

 

  • NET Web Desk

The Directorate of Tourism, Government of Manipur is all set to unroll the 4th Edition of the State Level Shirui Lily Festival after a two-year gap owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manipur’s Ukhrul district will host the much-anticipated – ‘Shirui Lily Festival 2022’ from May 25-28, which is also the state’s second-largest tourism event after the Sangai festival.

This 4-days gala event will be organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur with Governor – Shri La Ganesan inaugurating the opening ceremony at Shirui village.

It aims to raise awareness about the endangered ‘Shirui Lily’ which is endemic to the Kashong Hills in Shirui village, and recognize the state’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable and responsible tourism, thereby promoting the exotic state flower by bringing communities under one roof.

This festival celebrates Manipur’s vast biodiversity and rich cultural legacy, allowing travelers to learn about the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Ukhrul and explore Manipur’s highest hill station through its cultural origins, values, and customs.

Live music and cultural shows, traditional dances, folk songs, beauty pageants, exhibits, indigenous games, and sports competitions will mark the four-day festival.

According to the Director, Tourism – Shri W. Ibohal Singh, Bakshi ground in Ukhrul town will be the venue for Shirock, 2022, one of the main attractions of the festival. ‘ShiRock’ – a musical spectacle of live music performances and competition, is one of the festival’s greatest draws, attracting visitors from all across the state and even adjacent regions. Monuments – a British progressive metal band, will perform on the final day of Shirock this year.

Besides, the TNL ground has been selected as another venue for the festival. It will host exhibition football matches.

It’s worthy to note that the English Botanist – Dr. Frank Kingdon Ward from the New York Botanical Society first discovered the flower in 1946 and named it after his wife, Jean Macklin.

This endemic flora clinched the prestigious merit award in the Chelsea Flower Show organized by the Royal Horticulture Society, London. While, in 1989, it was designated as the ‘State Flower of Manipur’.

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