Shirui Lily Festival 2025 Begins in Manipur: Dates, Events and What to Expect This Year

Shirui Lily Festival 2025 officially kicked off on May 20 in Manipur’s picturesque Shirui Village, Ukhrul district, and will continue till May 24, 2025. Inaugurated by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the fifth edition of this annual cultural extravaganza marks a vibrant return after a two-year gap. The festival celebrates the rare and delicate Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) — a flower found nowhere else in the world but the Shirui Hills.

During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bhalla highlighted the significance of the festival in promoting eco-tourism, cultural harmony, and environmental awareness. He praised the local community for their enthusiastic participation and described the Shirui Lily as a "living symbol of Manipur's ecological wealth and natural heritage."

This year’s edition holds special importance as it commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily’s discovery. The festival offers a vibrant mix of traditional Tangkhul Naga dances, folk music, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and authentic local cuisine. The goal is to celebrate Manipur’s cultural diversity while fostering unity and sustainability.

Governor Bhalla also emphasized the need for peace and unity, encouraging communities to come together and celebrate despite differences. "Such beautiful places are not for conflicts but for harmony," he noted, calling for collective support to make Manipur a peaceful and welcoming destination.