Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village in Ukhrul district. At the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bhalla expressed his happiness, saying, “I am very happy that I have come here; it’s truly worth visiting this place. I am also glad that we are organising the Shirui Festival after a gap of two years. Seeing the enthusiasm and participation among the community is very encouraging. It’s a very good thing for the region and the state.”
The festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), found only in the Shirui Hills. The Governor described it as “a living symbol of Manipur’s ecological wealth and natura heritage.” He added, “The state flower Shirui Lily, is not just a pride for this Ukhrul region but for entire state and the country.”
Emphasizing the importance of eco-tourism, Governor Bhalla said, “This is an important eco- tourism attraction that we can promote well. Of course, we need to improve infrastructure, but with a focused government approach, I am hopeful that in the coming years, this place will become a key destination on India’s tourism map–and even globally.”
