Mizoram’s Anthurium Festival returned on Thursday after a three‑year hiatus, with a three‑day event that combined horticulture, adventure, indigenous culture and music at Ailawng and Reiek. The festival ran from October 1 to 3, showcasing the state’s mountain landscapes and cultural heritage while promoting local tourism.
Organised by Mizoram Tourism in partnership with the Department of Horticulture, the festival aims to boost anthurium cultivation and the tourism economy. Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the event should create value for the people who make the destinations special, encouraging visitors to travel to villages, use local transport, eat local food, buy from local businesses, interact with flower growers and experience Mizo traditions.
The horticultural focus highlights the growth of anthurium cultivation among local communities, including women in the Zo Anthurium Growers Society. The flower is grown in Mizoram and marketed across India and beyond. Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga served as chief guest at the opening ceremony. In addition to flower exhibitions, the programme offered trekking and adventure activities at Ngai Tlang, Ailawng Tlang and Reiek Tlang, including the Reiek Tlang Sunrise Trek, and visits to caves such as Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk and Ngaitei Puk. Flower shows, nursery visits, garden experiences, the Rose Garden and local growers were also featured.
Visitors could explore Reiek Heritage Village and surrounding communities, see traditional Mizo homes, play traditional games—Insuknawr, Inbuan, Kalchhet and Insaihruipawh—alongside shooting competitions and activities for children. Cultural programmes included Cheraw and other folk performances, traditional music, a fashion show, local cuisine, handloom and handicraft exhibitions. Leikapui Night on October 2 featured Mizo artists performing old songs, and the festival concluded on October 3 with a concert of leading state artists. Organisers said the event would expand economic opportunities for local transport operators, homestays, eateries, guides, artisans, growers and other small businesses by encouraging travel beyond the main venues. Preparations 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 broader tourism programme that promotes horticulture, culture, food, music, adventure and community‑based tourism, and will continue until October 3 at Ailawng and Reiek.
