After a two-year hiatus caused by ethnic unrest, the much-celebrated Shirui Lily Festival will make a grand return on May 10 at the scenic Shirui Hills in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Organized by the Manipur Tourism Department, the five-day festival aims to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage, honor the blooming of the iconic Shirui Lily, and revive the tourism sector, which has been affected in recent years. This year’s festival holds additional significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily’s recognition with a prestigious award at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1948.
The festival promises a vibrant array of activities and performances, including the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant, themed “Beauty for Humanity,” which will see participation from over 20 contestants. A major highlight will be Shirocks, a music festival featuring performances by renowned international, national, and local bands, aiming to foster unity through the power of music. Adventure enthusiasts can look forward to activities such as trekking to Shirui Peak, mud biking, rock climbing, motorcycle racing, camping, and other outdoor adventures. A drone show and fireworks display have also been planned to add to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, a literature festival focusing on young readers and families will be organized, featuring interactions with local authors and poets.
In view of concerns about security, the government has assured that comprehensive arrangements are being made to ensure the safety of all participants and visitors. Meetings have been held with the Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur and the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Imphal East, and Imphal West districts. Adequate security deployments will be made along the routes from Imphal to Ukhrul, within the festival venues, and at key public points to provide a safe and welcoming environment for tourists and locals alike.
Speaking at the launch event in Imphal, Pooja Elangbam, IAS, Director of the Manipur Tourism Department, expressed optimism that the Shirui Lily Festival would help reignite the state’s tourism economy and serve as a platform for healing and unity. She highlighted that the festival is envisioned to not only showcase Manipur’s natural beauty and rich cultural traditions but also to create employment opportunities and boost economic development through tourism.
Events will be spread across Shirui village and the Ukhrul district headquarters, offering visitors a rich blend of culture, adventure, music, literature, and tradition. The government hopes that the 2025 edition of the Shirui Lily Festival will generate significant buzz and position Manipur as a vibrant and welcoming destination on both the national and international tourism maps.
The official announcement of Miss Shirui Lily 2025 was made by Pooja Elangbam, IAS, Director of the Tourism Department, at a launch event held at Hotel Grande in Imphal on Monday.
