UKHRUL, May 15: The much awaited Shirui Festival— named after the State Flower of Manipur, is all set for a colourful start from tomorrow with all fervour even as some visitors have already arrived here for the gala event.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, along with his Council of Ministers, will inau- gurate the festival at Vang-ayan Shirui ground at 11 am.

The five-day extravaganza will be held at three different venues—Shirui village; TNL ground, Wino Bazar, Ukhrul; and Bakshi ground, Hunpung. All the three venues have been embellished with traditional sculptures.
After inaugurating the festival at Vangayan Shirui ground tomorrow, the Chief Minister will inaugurate exhibition and flower show at TNL ground at 2 pm the same day.

The festival will witness a blend of traditional items and adventurous shows apart from other entertainment items.
Display of colourful cultural items, presentation of song ‘Hingminnasi Eikhoi,’ and classical music, etc will be the main attractions of the inaugural session.

Local Churches have extended cooperation and support to the organisers and provided local guides and volunteers to make visitors and revellers feel at home.Sufficient security measures have also been reportedly put in place. Security personnel are detailed at all the three venues.

Samir, SDPO of Ukhrul said that police have also arranged parking lots to avoid congestion during the festival. Besides, police will also strictly monitor movement of vehicles during the five-day gala event. Ironically, promotional activities like putting up of billboards or festoon could hardly be seen in Ukhrul town despite hectic preparations for the festival.

Meanwhile, Ukhrul denizens have cautioned visitors and revellers of the festival to wear boots, instead of light footwear or shoes during the festival.
Since earth filling is underway on the main road at Ukhrul, visitors may get prepared for a walk or stroll in slushy mud.

Source: thesangaiexpress