After two years of unrest in Manipur, Shirui Lily Festival was organized by the Manipur Department of Tourism in Ukhrul district of Manipur. This year the Shirui Lily Festival is organized from May 20th to 24th, 2025. 75 years ago, the Shirui Lily captivated the world at the Chelsea Flowe Show. From the sacred heights of Shirui Kashong to global recognition.
The festival welcomes the blossom of rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a unique flower that grows in Manipur’s Shirui Hills. The Shirui Lily flower was recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1948. In this event you will experience the rich culture of Tangkhul Naga tribe and enjoy the traditional dance, music, cuisine, games and art & culture.
Highlights of Shirui Lily Festival
The famous Shirui Lily Festival hosts various events which promote the tribe and environment and attract tourists. Let’s see the events:
- Tangkhul Naga Folk Performances: A folk-dance performance by the Tangkhul tribe of Ukhrul district. The tribe wore vibrant costumes and performed war dances in the Tangkhul dialect songs. The choreography of dance is amazing, and stories represent bravery, fertility, and kinship.
- Art and Indigenous Crafts Exhibits: A perfect place to buy souvenir for loved ones. The exhibition showcases handwoven textiles, cane and bamboo products, wooden carving motifs and tattoo art representing Tangkhul culture. Don’t forget to buy the famous Tangkhul shawl.
- Local Culinary Delights: The festival represents Tangkhul kitchens of Northeast Indian Cuisine. The must try dishes are Ngari-based curries, Roasted pork with bamboo shoots, Thendou, a local rice beer, Chamthong (healthy vegetable stew), smoked meats and wild mushrooms.
- Traditional Games: A game to connect with tribal people and make bonds. The popular games are Oiling the bamboo pole, Stone lifting contests, Wrestling bouts and Archery. If you love children, then don’t miss the favorite game of children, Top spinning.
- ShiRock: A festival is incomplete without music. This year the famous Israeli band Orphaned Land and the Indian icons like Bombay Vikings are stealing the show. The local bands of Northeast take part in the festival. ShipRock Band Hunt Competition organized in the open-air-stage.
- Run for Nongin: You maybe not be aware of the word Nongin, it’s a state bird of Manipur. In this marathon, which is open for all age groups, people participate to protect the environment by cleaning trash on the way. The most beautiful part is the prizes in the form of reusable gear, cash, or recognition plaques.
Tourist Guidelines for Shirui Lily Festival
Here are some travel guidelines that can help you to explore Shirui Lily Festival without hinderance.
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): Without ILP you are not allowed to explore the festival. To obtain the permit, check the online link, https://manipurilponline.mn.gov.in/ or from ILP counters at the airport or Imphal city.
- Trek Equipment: The peak is moderate, but weather is unpredictable. For trekking carry good sports shoes and have raingear for rain.
- Safety Measure: Due to unrest, do check advisories from local authorities and follow the safety measures imposed by the Force.
How to Reach at Shirui Lily Festival
By Air: Nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) in Imphal. The airport is 90kms away from Ukhrul, but taxis and buses run for the festival is there.
By Road: Ukhrul is connected by NH-202 from Imphal. The government has run festival buses; you can avail private taxis as well from Imphal.
Tip: Book Flight for Imphal, then board Taxi to Ukhrul which takes around 3-4hrs. From Ukhrul, Shirui village is approx. 10kms. You can avail Local Transport or take a walk amidst scenic views.
Accommodation for Shirui Lily Festival
If you are willing to stay in hotels/guesthouses, then there are some options, like Phungcham Inn, Shirui Lily Inn, TKL Tourist Lodge. But I would advise Homestay which connect you to local people and a chance to experience Tangkhul culture.
For nature lovers, a Camp at Shirui Hills is a good option. Do carry warm clothes for chilly nights.
Final Thoughts
In this blog post I have explained about the Shirui Lily Festival that conducted after 2 years. It’s not just a festival for local people; it’s a hope of new normal. There may be some hurdles like media boycott but remember 2000 personnels are looking after the arrangements. Your security is their priority, so enjoy the festival and explore the rich culture of Manipur.
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