Imphal: Manipur is all set to organise the Shirui Lily festival after a gap of two years from May 20-24.
A crisis had led to cancellation of major tourism festivals like Sangai, Shirui, Polo International in 2023 and 2024.
The fifth edition of the Shirui Lily Festival will be celebrated from May 20 to 24, at Ukhrul district. Named after Shirui Lily a beautiful flower scientifically known as Lilium Mackliniae, the beautiful flower blooms at Shirui hill ranges in May and June.
The Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur will organize the event with all the flavours of
the festival, Rock music, indigenous music, food , adventure, Miss Shirui contest and showcase the beauty of Ukhrul district and majority Tangkhul tribe who settle in the district.
The festival is organized despite challenges from Kuki militants who have warned people belonging
to a particular community not to take part in the festival. Most tourists will land at Imphal airport and move towards Ukhrul district which is about 78 km, half of which are hill region.
A little known Kuki organization issued threats which were immediately denounced by Manipur Police and Naga organizations. The Naga bodies of Ukhrul have asked all not to disturb the festival. Manipur Police said the press statement issued by one unknown organisation Kuki Zo Village Volunteer-Eastern Zone (KZVV-EZ), is being circulated on social media and local vernaculars.
The unknown organization has warned members of the Meitei community against entering or crossing Kuki-inhabited areas for the upcoming Shirui Festival.
The district police enquired into the organization. However, no such organization was found. The general public are requested not to believe such unfounded and baseless press note issued by unknown organizations.
The district police will make adequate security arrangements to ensure and facilitate free movement of public for the Shirui Festival. The public are requested to cooperate with the Police Department in the security arrangement relating to Shirui Festival, police said.
Director Tourism, Pooja Elangbam went to the district and informed from the venue itself that the road is safe and the festival will go on as scheduled.
The main attraction will be ShiRock, a musical event with artists from India and abroad. Manipur government will also arrange special buses from Imphal to Ukhrul during the festival. Helicopter services will also be available from Imphal to Ukhrul for the safety and convenience of the tourists.
