Shri Prahlad Singh Patel the MOS (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture inaugurated the Shirui Lily Festival, 2019 at Shirui Vangayan Ground of Ukhrul in Manipur. Patel also inaugurated the ‘Strength of Unity Statue’ along with Chief Minister of Manipur Shri N. Biren Singh. This is the the 3rd edition of the four-day state festival.
Patel said that cultural events like Shirui Lily Festival are very important for highlighting the beauty of India’s culture. He emphasised the importance of close co ordination between the State governments of the region and Central Government for promoting tourism and culture of the region.
Patel said that his Ministry had written a letter to Human Resource Development Ministry to send the students of Central Schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas to the North-East States for their tour programmes.
He said that such initiatives would ensure that people from other parts of India would have a positive perception about North East India.
The festival would showcase the rich traditions of Manipur in the form of Folk songs and dances of various ethnic groups,rock concerts, display of traditional martial arts and ample amounts of traditional cuisines as well. Another highlight would be climbing the famous Shirui Peak for catching a glimpse of the Shirui lilies in full bloom.
The Shirui Lily Festival along with the Sangai Festival is one of the biggest events in Manipur attracting tourists from India and abroad.
