Manipur: Shirui Lily festival to begin on May 25

United Kingdom-based heavy metal band ‘Monuments’ to perform on the final day

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 24 (EMN): Manipur is all set to un-wrap the much-awaited Shirui Lily festival after a two-year gap owing to the Covid 19 pandemic in Ukhrul district from May 25 till the 28th.

Shirui Lily festival is the state’s second-largest tourism event after the Sangai festival.

Announcing this during a press conference in Imphal on May 24, Director W Ibohal Singh of state Tourism department said, “The main purpose of organising the festival is to preserve this rare flower because we all know that the Shirui lily is an endangered flower that needs to be protected and preserved.”

Shirui Lily festival under the aegis of Manipur tourism department is usually held in the month of April or May as it is the blooming season for Shirui which is also the state flower.

Spread over four days, the festival which would display the traditions and cultures of the state, will be held at two venues- Shirui village and Bakshi ground in Ukhrul town.

Singh said, “We will showcase the rich culture of more than 32 different tribes as each tribe has its unique culture, customs and designs.”

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 would be performing this year.

United Kingdom based heavy metal band, Monuments, will perform on the final day of ShiRock.

The ShiRock festival has been attracting visitors from all across the state and other parts of the country.

“We will also showcase the rich handloom and handicraft products of the state, more particularly the products of the Ukhrul district during the festival,” he added. “In fact this festival is a platform for the young entrepreneurs to showcase their products as well.”

Manipur Governor La Ganesan will inaugurate the festival in presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh at Shirui village on May 25 while the closing ceremony will be held at Bakshi ground in Ukhrul town on May 28 (Saturday).