Anthurium festival, Mizo Bamboo Day begin October 1

More than 70 home-grown varieties of the beautiful anthurium flower will be showcased at the three-day Anthurium festival in Mizoram beginning October 1, organisers said on Tuesday.

This year, the Mizoram Bamboo Day will also be held simultaneously.

One of the most prominent events of the north east, the anthurium festival not only promotes cultivation of the flowers (also known as tailflower, flamingo flower) but is also a chance to exhibit indigenous fruits, vegetables, handloom and handicrafts.

"It is also a tourism promotion event. Apart from anthuriums, Mizo culture and tradition will be highlighted for tourists," Lalnunmawii, an official at the state's department of information and public relations, told IANS.

"This year it will be held at the Mini Sports Complex, Lengpui, near the Aizawl airport and the Mizoram Bamboo Day will also be held on the same day," Lalnunmawii said.

Bamboo products will be exhibited and training programmes will be organised to mark bamboo day, the official said.

On offer are a range of entertainment programmes as well like beat contest, rock show and dance competition.

The Department of Horticulture introduced commercial cultivation of anthurium in 2002 under Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in northeastern states.

Over 300 families grow anthurium in Mizoram.