The fifth and final day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival concluded on a vibrant note, showcasing Manipur ’s rich cultural tapestry, traditional heritage, and musical talent.
Held in the Ukhrul district, the grand finale wrapped up a five-day celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare and iconic Shirui Lily — Lilium Mackliniae, the state flower of Manipur.
The day began at Bakshi Ground with the official closing ceremony featuring Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, as the Chief Guest and Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps, as Guest of Honour.
The event included a choreography performance by Zaishin Dance Studio, a special song by Pam’s Kindergarten, worship songs by the Jesus Heart Team, and speeches from dignitaries.
The evening came alive with SHiROCK performances at Heritage Ground in Shirui Village, headlined by Bombay Vikings, along with local bands Featherheads and Not Funny from Ukhrul.
Acoustic evenings, tribal cuisine, traditional games, and adventure sports like ziplining and ATV biking added more excitement.
Highlights from the week-long festival
Day 1 (May 20): The festival kicked off at Shirui Village with an inaugural ceremony showcasing Tangkhul Naga customs. Cultural performances, indigenous crafts, and a message of ecological awareness around the endangered lily set the tone.
Day 2 (May 21): The 75th Anniversary Memorial structure was unveiled, and Shirui Gospel Rock took center stage. Round 1 of SheChef (a culinary contest) and traditional games added energy, along with the start of a movie screening series and live music.
Day 3 (May 22): The day featured a Bike Peace Rally, Round 2 of SheChef focused on vegetarian cuisine, and a bonfire concert. SHiROCK performances continued to draw large crowds with artists from across India.
Day 4 (May 23): Highlights included a mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions, as well as Round 3 of SheChef, which showcased dishes inspired by childhood memories. The glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 pageant was also held.
Day 5 (May 24): Besides the official closing ceremony, the final round of SheChef brought the culinary contest to a climax, while SHiROCK artists rocked the night with powerful music performances. Adventure activities, traditional games, food stalls, and tribal exhibitions continued throughout the day.
Native only to the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul, the Shirui Lily blooms between April and June. Discovered in 1946 by British botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower earned global acclaim when it won a prestigious award at the 1950 London Flower Show.
The plant’s rarity and fragile habitat have made it a symbol of conservation and cultural pride in Manipur.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival not only promotes eco-tourism and local heritage but also offers a platform for unity among the diverse communities of the region. From traditional Tangkhul Naga culture to global rock bands, the Shirui Lily Festival blended the ancient with the contemporary, drawing visitors from across India and beyond.
Held in the Ukhrul district, the grand finale wrapped up a five-day celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare and iconic Shirui Lily — Lilium Mackliniae, the state flower of Manipur.
The day began at Bakshi Ground with the official closing ceremony featuring Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, as the Chief Guest and Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps, as Guest of Honour.
The event included a choreography performance by Zaishin Dance Studio, a special song by Pam’s Kindergarten, worship songs by the Jesus Heart Team, and speeches from dignitaries.
The evening came alive with SHiROCK performances at Heritage Ground in Shirui Village, headlined by Bombay Vikings, along with local bands Featherheads and Not Funny from Ukhrul.
Acoustic evenings, tribal cuisine, traditional games, and adventure sports like ziplining and ATV biking added more excitement.
Highlights from the week-long festival
Day 1 (May 20): The festival kicked off at Shirui Village with an inaugural ceremony showcasing Tangkhul Naga customs. Cultural performances, indigenous crafts, and a message of ecological awareness around the endangered lily set the tone.
Day 2 (May 21): The 75th Anniversary Memorial structure was unveiled, and Shirui Gospel Rock took center stage. Round 1 of SheChef (a culinary contest) and traditional games added energy, along with the start of a movie screening series and live music.
Day 3 (May 22): The day featured a Bike Peace Rally, Round 2 of SheChef focused on vegetarian cuisine, and a bonfire concert. SHiROCK performances continued to draw large crowds with artists from across India.
Day 4 (May 23): Highlights included a mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions, as well as Round 3 of SheChef, which showcased dishes inspired by childhood memories. The glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 pageant was also held.
Day 5 (May 24): Besides the official closing ceremony, the final round of SheChef brought the culinary contest to a climax, while SHiROCK artists rocked the night with powerful music performances. Adventure activities, traditional games, food stalls, and tribal exhibitions continued throughout the day.
Native only to the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul, the Shirui Lily blooms between April and June. Discovered in 1946 by British botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower earned global acclaim when it won a prestigious award at the 1950 London Flower Show.
The plant’s rarity and fragile habitat have made it a symbol of conservation and cultural pride in Manipur.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival not only promotes eco-tourism and local heritage but also offers a platform for unity among the diverse communities of the region. From traditional Tangkhul Naga culture to global rock bands, the Shirui Lily Festival blended the ancient with the contemporary, drawing visitors from across India and beyond.
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