IMPHAL, April 26: After a two-year hiatus, the 5th State Shirui Lily Festival 2025 is set to make a grand comeback, with the Executive Committee approving a budget of Rs. 6.30 crores for the festival. The decision was taken at an Executive Committee meeting held on April 24, 2025, at the office chamber of Chief Secretary PK Singh, Government of Manipur.
The eagerly awaited cultural extravaganza will be celebrated from May 20 to May 24, 2025, across various locations in Ukhrul District.
During the Executive Committee meeting, various sub-committees presented expenditure estimates totaling Rs. 9.5 crores. After meticulous examination, deliberations led to scaling down or dropping certain proposals, ensuring fiscal prudence without compromising the festival’s essence. The meeting resolved that, due to time constraints and the urgency of tasks, the standard tendering process would be exempted. Instead, firms, agencies, and organizations with proven records and past experience would be nominated to undertake respective activities within the approved financial allocations.
The festival’s highlights will include a grand opening ceremony at Shirui Village, the famous ShiRock festivities at Bakshi Ground, and a vibrant cultural and closing ceremony at Ukhrul Headquarters.
This year’s Shirui Lily Festival holds special significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Shirui Lily. The rare and beautiful flower, endemic to the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul, was first discovered in 1946 by British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward during a botanical expedition.
