Aizawl: Mizoram’s Anthurium Festival returned on Thursday after a three-year hiatus, with the three-day event bringing together horticulture, adventure, indigenous culture and music at Ailawng and Reiek.
Organised by Mizoram Tourism in association with the Department of Horticulture, the festival, being held from October 1 to 3, aims to promote anthurium cultivation alongside the state’s mountain landscapes, cultural heritage and local tourism economy.
Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the festival was intended to ensure that tourism benefits local communities.
“Tourism must create value not only for destinations, but for the people who make those destinations special,” Hmar said.
He said the festival would encourage visitors to travel to villages, use local transport, eat local food, buy from local businesses, interact with flower growers and experience Mizo traditions.
The festival’s horticultural focus is linked to the growth of anthurium cultivation among local communities, including women associated with the Zo Anthurium Growers Society. The flower is cultivated in Mizoram and marketed in different parts of India and beyond.
Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
Beyond flower exhibitions, the festival offers trekking and adventure activities at Ngai Tlang, Ailawng Tlang and Reiek Tlang, including the Reiek Tlang Sunrise Trek. Visitors can also explore caves including Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk and Ngaitei Puk.
Flower shows, nursery visits and garden experiences are also part of the programme, along with visits to the Rose Garden and local growers.
The festival also features visits to Reiek Heritage Village and surrounding communities, allowing visitors to experience traditional Mizo homes and village life.
Traditional Mizo games, including Insuknawr, Inbuan, Kalchhet and Insaihruipawh, will be showcased alongside shooting competitions and activities for children.
Cultural programmes include Cheraw and other folk performances, traditional music, a traditional fashion show, local cuisine, handloom and handicraft exhibitions.
Leikapui Night on October 2 will feature Mizo artistes performing old songs, while the festival will conclude on October 3 with a concert featuring leading artistes from the state.
Organisers said the festival was also aimed at expanding economic opportunities for local transport operators, homestays, eateries, guides, artisans, growers and other small businesses by encouraging visitors to travel beyond the main festival venues.
Preparations for the festival involved government departments, the Young Mizo Association, community leaders from Reiek and Ailawng, the Zo Anthurium Grower Society and the Mizo Indigenous Games organising team.
The festival is part of Mizoram’s wider tourism programme, which seeks to promote the state through its horticulture, culture, food, music, adventure and community-based tourism.
The Anthurium Festival will continue until October 3 at Ailawng and Reiek.