4th Shirui Lily Fest kicks off amid razzmatazz

Ukhrul, May 25 (DIPR)
After two years of break due to Covid, Governor La Ganesan opened the 4th edition of the State Level Shirui Lily Festival at Shirui village ground today in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh who presided the opening function.
The Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Ukhrul district administration and Shirui village authority would be organising the festival till May 28.
While most of the cultural dance and music programme would be presented at Shirui village ground, Bakshi ground at Dungrei will host Shirock, a rock music competition during which various bands from all across the country would perform.
The Governor stated the festival is celebrated annually and features music, food, traditional games and other cultural activities and it is aimed at promoting awareness about this rare flower (Shirui Lily) and develop sustainable and responsible tourism in Manipur.
The Lily, which blooms in late May to early June has become a well known plant to the world because of its rarity. The flower is found only on top of the Shirui Hill of Ukhrul district in Manipur, La Ganesan said.
He further stated that this flower needs proper scientific study so that it can continue to thrive in its original habitat.
The Chief Minister informed that the ICAR has taken up tissue culture of this plant and hope to perpetuate this plant not only in its original habitat but also in laboratory conditions.
The focus on the global warming and climate change and its impact on the Lily including remedial measures is laudable, Biren remarked.
Shirui Lily Festival if marketed properly can become a tourist attraction. It will not only create awareness about the need for protection of environment but it can also attract tourists which will improve the well being of the local population apart from bringing in advanced knowledge and expertise to improve the environment, he said.
Not only Shirui Lily but also the monsoon flowers of Shirui range and the Rhododedron can be marketed, he added.
At the end of his speech, the chief guest wished for a successful week long programme.
The Chief Minister later addressed a gathering and stated that Rs 46 crore have been sanctioned under the Minority Affairs, PMJVK scheme for the construction of Shirui Heritage Village and upgradation of Bakshi ground.
The said project would be taken up soon.
He also informed that construction of cable cars at Loktak and Shirui is in the pipeline.
Misappropriation of funds and projects taken up under the incumbent Government by any agent whether it be departmental or contractors will come under the scrutiny of the law, Biren said.
He later appealed to the public for cooperation so as to make the process of development a success.
Some unique displays of the festival are Mithun, reared mostly in the northern areas of Ukhrul, Haofa (endangered Tangkhul dog) and famous Lungpi pottery.
Other features of the festival include Miss Shirui Lily beauty contest, cycling, marathon, 7 A-side football, essay writing, music and many more.
Special appearances by Miss Universe 3rd runner-up (2020), Adline Castenino as showstopper at the opening fashion show and the Monument, a British rock band at Bakshi ground on May 28 evening are some of the highlights.
Dignitaries present during the opening function were Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit, Tribal Affairs & Hills  Minister Letpao Haokip, Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, HAC Chairman D Gangmei, MLAs Leishiyo Keishing, S Kebi, Kh Raghumani, Th Radheshyam, Sheikh Noorul Hassan and Ram Muivah.
Among others, Sailas Thangal, Ambassador to Ivory Coast, Additional Chief Secretary MH Khan, Commissioner for Tourism PK Jha,  DGP P Doungel and TNL president David Shimray were also present at the opening ceremony.