The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the state flower of Manipur and is part of the state’s efforts to develop and implement sustainable and responsible tourism in the state and also to save and increase awareness about the endangered species of Manipur’s Shirui Lily found only in the Shirui Hills. The festival is organized every year around April-May. The 5^th edition of the festival will take place between 17 to 20 May at Ukhrul.

In celebration of the stunning and rare Shirui Lily, a beautiful flower that grows only in the region of Shirui Hill in Manipur, the festival is a celebration of the beauty and richness of the local culture and attracts tourists from all over the world to this region.

The festival starts with a parade through the streets of the city, with participants dressed in traditional attire, dancing and singing to the beat of the drum. The parade is led by the Queen of the festival, who is usually a local girl selected for her beauty and grace. The Queen is adorned with a crown made of Shirui Lily, which is a symbol of her royalty and is considered a great honour.

The Shirui Lily grows on top of the Shirui hills in Manipur and cannot be replanted anywhere else in the world. It fills the air with its pleasant fragrance during the blooming season. The festival is observed to spread awareness and conserve the endangered state flower.

Climbing the Shirui hills is one of the most interesting treks in Manipur and a chance to see the rare flower. It is the ultimate treat for nature and adventure lovers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the display of the Shirui Lily. The flower is considered a symbol of purity and beauty and is used extensively in various rituals and ceremonies. During the festival, the flower is displayed in various forms, such as garlands, bouquets, and arrangements, and is admired by tourists and locals alike. Another highlight of the Shirui Lily Festival is the traditional music and dance performances. The local folk dances, such as the Rasa Dance and the Khamba-Thoibi Dance, are performed with great passion and enthusiasm. The music, which is accompanied by instruments such as the pena and the drum, is a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles and creates a unique and mesmerizing sound.

In addition to the cultural events, the Shirui Lily Festival is also a time for people to come together and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Events during the festival include live music concerts, folk performances, traditional dances, indigenous games and competitions, art and handicraft exhibitions, ethnic food eateries and various adventure activities like camping, biking and a lot more. Shirock, the musical extravaganza of live music concerts and competitions is one of the major highlights of the festival that attracts a large number of crowds not only from different corners of the state, and even from neighbouring states.

The Shirui Lily Festival is not just a celebration of the beauty of the Shirui Lily, but it is also a celebration of the local culture and heritage. Visitors to the festival can experience the traditional way of life of the people of Manipur, and learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the richness of their culture and to share it with others.

One of the most unique and exciting aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the opportunity to trek to Shirui Hill, where the Shirui Lily grows in abundance. This trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, as visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the region and see the Shirui Lily in its natural habitat. The trek is also a great opportunity for adventure enthusiasts, as the route is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the region.