Mizoram sees record tourism surge as new railway line boosts Christmas festivities

Aizawl: Christmas, which saw a blend of religious and historic Mizo traditional celebrations in Mizoram this year, has drawn more tourists from across the country and abroad, who joined locals for traditional community feasts at different local churches in Aizawl, a minister said.

The tourist footfall during this year-end festivities has surged more than ever before, most apparently due to the new railway link, which made travel more affordable, and several tourism promotional initiatives collectively undertaken by the government and the people, state tourism minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said.

He said that, unlike before, more foreign and domestic tourists were seen participating in several church services, zaikhawm (congregational singing services), and community feasts organized by local churches to witness the rich culture of Mizos in celebrating Christmas, which is a blend of religious and traditional fervour.

He added that hotels and homestays were packed with tourists since November, indicating a surge in visitors during the festivities.

State tourism director R. Lalrodingi told reporters that all hotels and homestays in Aizawl were completely booked on Christmas Eve, which led the department to request empty Paying Guest (PG) hostels and other establishments to accommodate tourists.

She said that many tourists from India and abroad were seen participating in church services, zaikhawm, community feasts, and exploring tourist destinations in and around Aizawl, although their total number is yet to be established.

"It is a moment of happiness for us. We have seen a steady growth in the inflow of tourists over the past few years to explore Mizoram. The opening of the railway line has made travel more affordable, and the government as well as the general public have done an outstanding job in showcasing the state's tourism potential," Hmar said.

The tourists took part not only in community feasts, church services, and zaikhawm, but some even addressed the gathering, he added.

Citing the government’s efforts to make Mizoram an attractive tourist destination during winter, particularly during the festive season, Hmar expressed hope that more tourists would travel to the state once they learn about the unique traditional feasts, which are worth exploring from a tourism perspective.

"Our collective efforts to promote our tourism potential have begun to yield positive results, and tourists are now exploring our state. We have been constantly monitoring and instructing hotels and homestays to show hospitality, and the general public is also well aware of tourist reception. Our priority is to provide quality stays to visitors and make Mizoram a quality tourist destination," Hmar said.

He, however, expressed regret that many international tourists could not visit Mizoram due to the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) by the Centre in December last year.

Lalrodingi also said the department is constantly monitoring and briefing those who run hotels and homestays to show kindness, hospitality, etiquette, and manners to visitors.

Christmas was celebrated in all parts of Mizoram with religious enthusiasm and traditional fervour on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday (December 25), considered the grand day, was sanctified for worship services, prayer, and congregational singing, while the Christmas celebration culminated in zaikhawm and traditional community feasts organized at villages and localities by respective local churches on Friday (December 26).

Many tourists from India and abroad were spotted at community feasts at several local churches in Aizawl, dining with the locals. In a video circulating on social media, some tourists were also seen singing and dancing with church members in the Mizo way.

Community feasts remain integral to Mizo culture across all festivals, including Christmas and New Year. Though they are rarely practiced in urban areas recently, in rural areas, groups of friends would dine together at Christmas feasts, which are served on banana leaves.

Over 5.2 lakh tourists visited Mizoram during the 2024-25 fiscal, a 139.5 per cent increase over the previous fiscal, according to officials. According to Lalrodingi, over 4 lakh tourists, including 7,346 foreign tourists, visited the state from April to October this year.

The inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13 contributed significantly to the tourist surge in Mizoram.

The Mizoram government, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism, successfully organized a winter festival during December 15–20, and the first-ever Christmas parade was organized on December 23, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

The state tourism department, in association with Sihphir local council, Young Mizo Association (YMA), and Sakawrhmuitual Development Committee, will organize a tourism event at Sakawrhmuituai hills, a tourist spot about 21 km from Aizawl, on December 31 to witness the last sunset of the year as part of bidding farewell to the outgoing year.

Other tourism events, including mass angling, will also be organized by the department on January 6 and 7 in Tuivai river and Phuaibuang village in Saitual district near the Manipur border, which is home to beautiful cherry blossoms.

The department has also released a tourism calendar for 2026, indicating several tourism events to be held next year.