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Anthurium Festival at Reiek, Mizoram
Waxy scarlet flowers on a ridge where the clouds drift through the village
The Anthurium Festival is Mizoram's state festival of the anthurium flower, held at the Reiek tourist resort and heritage village below Reiek mountain, about 29 km from Aizawl. It is a joint event of the state tourism and horticulture departments and usually runs for two or three days in late September or October, when the anthurium is at its peak. There is no fixed date: the government announces it each year, often only about two weeks ahead, so watch Mizoram Tourism's announcements in September.
The Mizoram tourism and horticulture departments announce the dates about two weeks ahead, usually in September.
The legend
Mizoram's tourism and horticulture departments conceived the festival as a way to give local women an income from growing anthuriums.
It has been held almost every year since 2006, when the anthurium is at its peak in September or October.
In Mizoram the anthurium is a flower for every occasion, from birthdays and weddings to funerals.
Customs
Trails and caves
Visitors are taken on treks and into caves such as Khuangchera Puk and Ngaitei Puk, with Mizo games and walks through flower gardens.
Leikapui Night
In the evening popular Mizo artists perform, and a big concert closes the festival.
What to see
The centre of the festival is the flower itself: an exhibition of the anthurium varieties raised by the state's growers. Around the displays run folk music, cultural dances and traditional Mizo indigenous games, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, a show of the traditional dress of different tribes and a food court with Mizo cuisine. There is also an adventure side: zip-lining, rifle shooting, treks on the hill and walks into caves such as Khuangchera Puk, Thawngpawnga Puk and Ngaitei Puk. In the evenings popular Mizo artists play Leikapui Night, and a big concert closes the festival. Incredible India lists the festival as free to enter.
The setting is worth the trip on its own. The Reiek heritage village, built and kept by the Mizoram Tourism Department, has traditional huts of several Mizo sub-tribes, a chieftain's house, a bachelors' dormitory and a widow's house. Reiek peak rises to 1,465 m.
Why a festival for a flower
The festival grew out of a state initiative to help local women earn their own income by growing anthuriums. With the Zo Anthurium Growers Society the cultivation grew into a trade, and Mizoram's anthuriums now go to other states and abroad. The state's information department says the festival has been held every year since 2006 with hardly a break.
Permits: sort them out before you travel
Indian citizens need an Inner Line Pass (ILP) to enter Mizoram. Mizoram Tourism says it is issued by the state's liaison officers in Kolkata, Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati and New Delhi, and on arrival at Lengpui Airport.
Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) before coming to Mizoram. Mizoram Tourism says it is applied for online through the e-FRRO website, only after reaching India. The requirement was reintroduced after years of relaxation, so older travel guides may say no permit is needed. Within 24 hours of arrival foreigners must register online, and within 24 hours of their arrival hotels must enter their details on the Form C portal. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) adds that permit rules can change at any time, so check the current position with the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office before you book.
Alcohol: the FCDO notes that producing, carrying or drinking alcohol is illegal in Mizoram.
Getting there
Aizawl is the base for the festival.
- Fly to Lengpui
Lengpui Airport is the airport for Aizawl, and Indian travellers can get the ILP on arrival there.
- Base yourself in Aizawl
Reiek is about 29 km from the capital by road, and the Reiek tourist resort is the festival venue.
- The Reiek road on festival days
Officials have prepared travel advisories for the Reiek route during the festival days.
- Come back for other festivals
Mizoram's two other big festivals are Chapchar Kut in early March and Pawl Kut after the rice harvest in December or January.
FAQ
Where is the Anthurium Festival celebrated?
At Reiek in Mizoram, at the tourist resort and heritage village below Reiek mountain, about 29 km from Aizawl. Recent editions have also used nearby Ailawng.
When is the Anthurium Festival?
Usually for two or three days in late September or October. The Mizoram government sets the dates each year and announces them about two weeks ahead.
What does the anthurium symbolise in Mizoram?
It is a flower for every occasion, used at birthdays, weddings and funerals alike, and a source of income for the women who grow it.
Do I need a permit to visit Mizoram for the festival?
Yes. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Pass; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit and must register within 24 hours of arrival.
Is there an entry fee?
Incredible India lists the festival as free to enter. Some adventure activities may be charged separately.
Sources (8)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.