Ukhrul: The ongoing state-level Shirui Lily festival in Manipur’s Ukhrul district has been featuring an array of activities, ranging from art, culture and rock musical carnival.
The events during the festival include live music concerts, folk performances, traditional dances, indigenous games and competitions, art and handicraft exhibitions, ethnic food eateries, adventure activities, among others.
The festival also highlighted the traditional games of the Tangkhul community, including traditional Grand Prix competition, locally known as Thing gari (wooden tricycle race track).
Noatbly, the Tangkhuls are a major ethnic group living in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong district.
“The tricycle race track competition is aimed to promote and raise awareness on the traditional games that were practised since the ancestral times,” said Ramrak, Headman of Langdang village, one of the judges at the competition.
Altogether 14 participants from across region took part at the competition that was held at the Shirui village.
The competition carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for the winner, Rs 8,000 for the second and Rs 6,000 for the third position. And consolation prizes of Rs 3,000 will be given to the remaining participants.
During the competition, all the participants were made to wear traditional dresses.
The 4th edition of the state-level Shirui Lily Festival kickstarted at Heritage Center Vangayan, Shirui village, in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on May 25.
The festival is celebrated annually in Manipur and aims to increase awareness about this rare flower and to develop sustainable and responsible tourism in the state.
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