Aizawl: Mizoram’s Anthurium Festival returned on Thursday after a three-year hiatus, with a three-day programme bringing together floriculture, indigenous culture, adventure activities and music at Ailawng and Reiek in Mamit district.
Organised by the Mizoram Tourism department in association with the Horticulture department, the festival is being held from October 1 to 3. It features anthurium cultivation, traditional games, local cuisine, handicrafts and community-based tourism alongside trekking and other outdoor activities.
Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the festival was part of the state government’s broader plan to promote tourism while ensuring that local communities benefit from the sector.
“Tourism must create value not only for destinations, but for the people who make those destinations special,” Hmar said, adding that the festival brings together horticulture, landscapes, culture and communities.
Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga attended the inaugural programme as chief guest and highlighted the link between tourism promotion and the development of horticulture.
The festival traces its origins to the growth of anthurium cultivation among local communities, including women growers associated with the Zo Anthurium Growers Society. The flower has emerged as a livelihood and commercial opportunity, with growers supplying anthuriums to markets outside Mizoram.
The programme includes flower shows, nursery visits and garden experiences, along with trekking and cave exploration at Ngai Tlang, Ailawng Tlang, Reiek Tlang, Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk and Ngaitei Puk. The Reiek Tlang Sunrise Trek is also part of the programme.
Visitors can also explore Reiek Heritage Village and nearby communities. Traditional Mizo games including Insuknawr, Inbuan, Kalchhet and Insaihruipawh are being held alongside Cheraw and other folk performances, traditional music and fashion shows.
Local cuisine, handloom and handicrafts, shooting competitions and children’s recreational activities are also part of the festival. A Leikapui Night featuring Mizo artistes is scheduled for October 2, followed by a closing concert on October 3.
Officials said the festival is expected to create economic opportunities for local transport operators, eateries, homestays, guides, artisans, flower growers and other small businesses.
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 2026 tourism calendar, which includes programmes focused on horticulture, agriculture, culture, music, food, adventure and community-based tourism.