Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Mizoram kicked off its three-day Anthurium Festival on October 1. The event returned to Ailawng and Reiek after a three-year hiatus. It ends October 3. Mizoram Tourism teamed up with the Department of Horticulture to expand the event beyond simple flower displays.
Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar wants this move to help local families. He noted, "Tourism must create value not only for destinations, but for the people who make those destinations special." The minister hopes these visitors will support regional transport, food, and craft sales. Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga attended as chief guest to mark the importance of the floriculture sector.
Cultivation here is a massive livelihood driver. Women-led groups like the Zo Anthurium Growers Society now dominate the industry. These blooms travel from local hillsides to markets across India and beyond. Festival guests can tour rose gardens and meet the growers behind the business.
The event offers more than just plants. Trekkers can hit the trails at Ngai Tlang, Ailawng Tlang, and Reiek Tlang, including a sunrise trek. For those who prefer the dark, the program includes cave exploration at Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk, and Ngaitei Puk.
Visitors can also tour the Reiek Heritage Village to see traditional homes. The schedule is packed with cultural performances like Cheraw dances and a fashion show. Athletes will demonstrate old games including Insuknawr, Inbuan, Kalchhet, and Insaihruipawh. Music fans have two main dates. Leikapui Night on October 2 features classic Mizo songs. The closing concert happens October 3.
Government departments worked alongside the Young Mizo Association and community leaders to build the schedule. Organizers view this as a major piece of the 2026 tourism calendar. It aims to push visitors into local shops and homestays. Flowers act as the gateway to the rest of the state.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 1:49pm
The event takes place in the Mamit district. Beyond the previously announced activities, planners tacked on shooting competitions and recreational games for children. The festival now draws from a wider pool of organizers, officially adding the Mizo Indigenous Games organizing team to the collaboration between state departments and local community groups.
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