Mizoram's Anthurium Festival has returned after three years away. This year it ran from 1 to 3 October at Reiek and Ailawng in Mamit district, west of Aizawl. It mixes flowers with hill walks, cave trips, music and traditional games.
Why anthuriums?
The anthurium is a glossy, heart-shaped flower, usually bright red. Farmers in Mizoram grow it in large numbers, and the Zo Anthurium Growers Society sells the flowers across India and abroad. Many of its members are women. The festival is a way to show off the crop and bring visitors to the villages that grow it.
The flowers are the reason for the festival. The hills are the reason to stay.
What was on
- Treks: routes up Ngai Tlang and Ailawng Tlang, plus a sunrise trek on Reiek Tlang. Tlang means hill in Mizo.
- Caves: trips to Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk and Ngaitei Puk. Puk means cave.
- Flowers: exhibitions, nursery visits and a rose garden tour, with chances to meet local growers.
- Games: traditional Mizo games such as insuknawr and kalchhet.
- Music and dance: the Cheraw bamboo dance, folk performances, a traditional fashion show, a night of old songs on 2 October, and a closing concert with leading Mizo artists on 3 October.
Going next year?
Reiek is a short drive from Aizawl, and the hill is known for wide views over the ridges of western Mizoram. October is a good month to go, with the rains over and the air clear. Book stays early, because rooms near the festival are limited. Indian visitors from outside Mizoram need an Inner Line Permit, which can be applied for online.
