The Shirui Lily Festival is a celebrated annual cultural event in Manipur, dedicated to the rare and endangered Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a botanical marvel that grows only in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul district. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival is not only a vibrant showcase of traditional performances and modern music but also a meaningful effort toward sustainable tourism and ecological conservation. In 2025, the event marks its 5th edition, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the lily’s discovery, and is set to unfold from May 20 to May 24 across multiple venues in Ukhrul.
Why in the News?
The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival 2025 is drawing national and international attention as it returns after a two-year hiatus, aiming to promote responsible tourism and raise global awareness about the conservation of the endangered Shirui Lily. This year’s edition is particularly special, as it commemorates 75 years since the flower’s discovery and brings a renewed focus on ecological preservation, cultural pride, and community participation.
Background
- Held annually in May, the Shirui Lily Festival is more than a floral celebration; it is a platform that bridges the region’s ecological significance with its cultural richness.
- The centerpiece of this festival is the Shirui Lily, a delicate pinkish-white bell-shaped flower that blooms exclusively in the Shirui Hills, located at 8,500 feet above sea level in the Ukhrul district.
- Named after Jean Macklin, the wife of British botanist Frank Kingdon Ward, the flower was first discovered in 1946 and awarded global acclaim at the 1950 London Flower Show.
Events 2025
- This year’s festival offers a five-day itinerary featuring a broad spectrum of cultural and adventurous activities. From Tangkhul Naga tribal dances, folk songs, and indigenous games to live music performances at the popular SHIROCK music fest, the celebration fuses tradition with modernity.
- Adventure lovers can look forward to trekking, camping, biking, and the Shirui Lily Grand Prix, while cultural enthusiasts can attend the Shirui Lily Literature Festival, Miss Shirui Lily pageant, drone light shows, SheChef cooking competition, and weaving and textile exhibitions.
Key Venues
- Key venues include Shirui Village, where the opening ceremony takes place, as well as TNL Ground, Phangrei, and Bakshi Ground.
- A grand closing ceremony on May 24 will conclude the festivities.
Role of Ukhrul Village
- The festival also plays a crucial role in promoting Ukhrul as a travel destination. Located about 83 km east of Imphal, Ukhrul is the highest hill station in Manipur and home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe.
- Tourists are drawn to its scenic beauty and rich cultural traditions.
- Nearby attractions such as the prehistoric Kangkhui Lime Caves and Longpi Village, known for its medicinal black pottery, add depth to the region’s appeal.
- To ensure ease of travel during the festival, the state has arranged special helicopter services from Imphal Airport to Ukhrul and additional bus services.
- Ukhrul is also connected by NH 150 and reachable via domestic flights from major cities through Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal.
Significance
- The festival’s theme and execution align with India’s larger goals of sustainable tourism, local economic empowerment, and preservation of biodiversity, especially in sensitive hill ecosystems.
- By spotlighting the Shirui Lily, the festival encourages botanical awareness, community engagement, and eco-cultural tourism—ensuring this rare flower continues to inspire generations to come.