The third edition of the ShiRock 2019, an annual international rock festival of Manipur, to get underway from October 16th, 2019 at multiple venues in the Ukhrul district of the state.
The four-day fest, a Manipur government-sponsored ticket-free music festival is a part of the Shirui Lily Festival organized by the Manipur Tourism Department in a move to promote the conservation of the endangered state flower Shirui Lily and also promote young talent.
This year, the musical extravaganza is all about headbangers world as the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth and American rock band, Extreme currently headed by frontman Gary Cherone is on board to perform live with their iconic collection of genres at the Bakshi ground.
The fest will include Shirock band competition 2019 and 22 bands from the region have been shortlisted so far. In this competition the winner will get Rs 10 lakh, runners up will get Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2.5 lakh and 6 individual prizes with be getting Rs 25000 each. A separate voice competition will also be organized where a total of 13 vocalists have been shortlisted so far.
Significance of Shirui Lily flower
The Shirui Lily flower is a unique and rare species of a terrestrial lily grown naturally and found only in the Shirui peak in Ukhrul. The seasonal flower, which blooms in the summer, is one-of-a-kind as it does not grow anywhere else in the world. It is also the state flower of Manipur.
Traffic Advisory issued
Ahead of the fest, the district administration has issued new traffic rules applicable in Ukhrul town in a move to ease congestion and smooth running of vehicles in all the four days in all the venues (Shirui village, TNL ground and Shirock). It is mandatory for all visitors, guests to register their names to get the entry pass in the festival.
The Ukhrul Town has been declared as a no-overtaking zone. Vehicles plying from Shirui to Ukhrul and vice versa cannot overtake or stop. Also, the entry of heavy vehicles, in the town will be permitted between 12 am to 6 am during the festival.
Photo credit: @shirockfest
