The three-day festival began on Thursday at Ailawng and Reiek. It will continue until October 3.
Organised by Mizoram Tourism in association with the Department of Horticulture, the event aims to showcase the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
This year’s programme goes beyond flower exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy mountain treks, cave exploration, traditional games, village visits, local cuisine and cultural performances.
Festival Connects Flowers with Tourism
The anthurium flower remains the central attraction of the festival. Its cultivation has developed into an important livelihood activity in Mizoram.
Women-led initiatives, including the Zo Anthurium Growers Society, have helped promote floriculture and create economic opportunities for local growers.
The festival features flower shows, nursery visits and garden experiences. Visitors can also meet growers and learn about the cultivation of anthuriums.
Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga attended the event as chief guest, highlighting the connection between floriculture and tourism.
Trekking and Cave Exploration Among Attractions
Adventure tourism forms a major part of this year’s celebration.
Visitors can explore Ngai Tlang, Ailawng Tlang and Reiek Tlang. The programme also includes the Reiek Tlang Sunrise Trek.
Cave exploration activities are planned at Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk and Ngaitei Puk.
The festival also encourages visitors to explore Reiek Heritage Village and nearby settlements. These visits offer opportunities to experience traditional Mizo homes and community life.
Mizo Culture Takes Centre Stage
The festival presents a range of cultural activities showcasing Mizoram’s traditions.
Visitors can watch Cheraw, the traditional bamboo dance, along with folk performances, traditional music and a fashion show.
Traditional games such as Insuknawr, Inbuan, Kalchhet and Insaihruipawh are also part of the programme.
The event features shooting competitions, children’s activities, handloom displays and handicraft exhibitions.
Local food stalls offer visitors an opportunity to explore Mizo cuisine.
Leikapui Night on October 2 will feature Mizo artistes performing popular old songs. A grand closing concert is scheduled for October 3.
Tourism Minister Highlights Community Benefits
Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the festival aims to ensure tourism benefits local communities alongside destinations.
He highlighted the economic opportunities created when visitors use local transport, eat at local establishments, purchase handicrafts and interact with growers.
The festival is expected to support transport operators, eateries, shops, homestays, guides, artisans and flower growers.
Hmar said the state wants tourism growth to remain connected with local communities while introducing Mizoram’s experiences to wider national and international audiences.
Local Communities Participate in Organisation
Preparations involved government departments, the Young Mizo Association, community representatives from Reiek and Ailawng, the Zo Anthurium Growers Society and the Mizo Indigenous Games organising team.
Their participation reflects the festival’s community-based approach.
By combining horticulture, adventure, culture and local enterprise, the event seeks to encourage visitors to explore more than the festival grounds.
Festival Continues Until October 3
The Anthurium Festival is part of Mizoram’s wider tourism calendar for 2026.
Its return after three years brings renewed attention to the state’s flower-growing communities, mountain landscapes and cultural traditions.
The festival will continue at Ailawng and Reiek until October 3, offering visitors a combination of floral displays, outdoor activities and Mizo heritage.