20-24, May, 2025 
Ukhrul District
5th STATE LEVEL SHIRUI LILY FESTIVAL 2025
The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the iconic State Flower of Manipur and is a vital initiative by Manipur Tourism aimed at fostering sustainable and responsible tourism across the state. This event also serves to raise awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily, a unique botanical treasure found exclusively in Manipur’s Shirui Hills. Recognized scientifically as Lilium mackliniae, the Shirui Lily was first discovered in 1950. Its discovery marked a significant milestone, inspiring local stories, cultural traditions, and ongoing conservation efforts.
Held annually in May, the 2022 edition of the festival was highly successful in highlighting Ukhrul district as a must-visit destination in Manipur, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. In 2025, the Department of Tourism will host the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival from May 20th to 24th commemorating the flower’s 75th anniversary. After a two-year hiatus, the festival’s return is met with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper focus on ecological conservation and cultural pride.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Shirui Lily Festival honours the delicate and endangered Lilium Mackliniae, which blooms only in the Shirui Hills — a region that cannot support replanting elsewhere. The festival coincides with the flower’s peak blooming season, highlighting its ecological significance. This celebration provides a platform for diverse communities and tribes to unite, explore Ukhrul’s stunning landscapes, and gain insights into the indigenous Tangkhul Naga tribe. Trekking to the summit of Shirui Hills offers an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and adventurers, with the rare flower as a mesmerizing spectacle.
This year’s festival promises a vibrant five-day extravaganza featuring traditional and cultural performances, including live music, folk dances, indigenous games like the Shirui Lily Grand Prix, art and craft exhibitions, and culinary delights showcasing local ethnic cuisine. Adventure enthusiasts can participate in activities like camping and biking, while the popular SHIROCK music festival will showcase a wide array of performances—from pulsating rock and metal to energetic pop, hip hop, and electronic music. Past editions have seen international bands like Nazareth and Extreme perform, and this year promises an equally thrilling lineup with Indian and global acts.
Additional attractions include the Shirui Lily Literature Festival, a Trash Collection Marathon, SheChef cooking competition, drone light show, traditional weaving and textile exhibition, and the Miss Shirui Lily pageant. The festival will be held across multiple venues: the Shirui Village (where the opening ceremony takes place), TNL Ground, Phangrei, and Bakshi Ground, culminating in a grand closing ceremony on May 24th.
ABOUT UKHRUL DISTRICT
Ukhrul is Manipur’s highest hill station, situated approximately 83 kilometers east of Imphal. The district is predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Nagas, one of the oldest and most vibrant tribes of the region. Known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and serene landscapes, Ukhrul is a captivating destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN UKHRUL
SHIRUI HILLS
Famous for the rare Shirui Lily, these hills stand at about 8,500 feet above sea level. Declared Manipur’s State Flower in 1989, the lily is an endangered species that blooms from April to June, transforming the hills into a mesmerizing sea of pink and white blooms. Trekking through the Shirui Hills is considered one of the most captivating and rewarding experiences in Manipur.
KANGKHUI LIME CAVES
These prehistoric limestone caves are archaeological treasures, revealing evidence of Stone Age habitation. They hold immense potential for tourism, attracting students, archaeologists, and researchers interested in ancient history and cave exploration.
LONGPI VILLAGE
Located north of Ukhrul, Longpi is renowned for its distinctive black pottery crafts, made by mixing serpentine stone with clay. These durable, medicinal pots are a testament to the village’s rich craft traditions. The journey to Longpi offers scenic views of Shirui Hills and Phungrei, making it a memorable experience for visitors.
CONNECTIVITY
Ukhrul is accessible from Imphal via NH 150, with daily passenger buses operating between the two cities from the Khuman Lampak bus terminal. Manipur’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport offers regular domestic flights connecting to major cities. The state is also linked to other regions via road routes through Guwahati and Dimapur. During the festival, helicopter services will operate daily from Imphal Airport to Ukhrul, along with special bus services, ensuring smooth access for visitors.
SHIRUI LILY – THE STATE FLOWER OF MANIPUR
The Shirui Lily, scientifically known as Lilium Mackliniae, is a rare and enchanting pinkish-white flower endemic to the Shirui Hill range in Ukhrul district, approximately 83 kilometers from Imphal. Named after Jean Macklin, the wife of botanist Dr. Frank Kingdon Ward, who first spotted the flower in 1946, the Shirui Lily gained international recognition when the Royal Horticultural Society awarded it a prestigious merit at its London Flower Show in 1950.
Growing about a foot tall, the lily’s bell-shaped blossoms create a stunning spectacle during its flowering season, which spans from April to June. The hills of Shirui, adorned with these vibrant lilies, offer breathtaking panoramic views and create picture-perfect vistas that attract nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The flower’s limited habitat in the Shirui Hills underscores its ecological importance, making conservation efforts vital to preserving this botanical jewel.
Catch the festival live from 20th May, 2025 onwards at VisitManipur
