Mizoram to host grand winter festival in Aizawl from December 15

Aizawl: Mizoram will host a winter festival showcasing Mizo culture through traditional dances and live music concerts, a minister said on Thursday.

The state tourism department will organise the event at Aizawl’s Lammual (formerly AR Ground) from December 15 to 20 and again on December 23, tourism minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said.

Hmar said the festival aims to attract tourists from across India and abroad. He added that organisers will conduct a Christmas-themed costume parade and carol programme on December 23, and they will decorate Lammual and the surrounding areas with Christmas installations to draw visitors.

He said the organisers will also set up a charity stall during the event to allow people to donate clothes and other essential items for the needy.

In addition to various stalls and children's amusement activities, the festival will feature live music concerts with performances by both local and national artistes, including well-known rock bands, he said.
Hmar informed that DJ Avanie from Mumbai, Naaz from Guwahati, Zehen from Bengaluru, and popular Northeast hip-hop artistes Reble and Kim (Kim the Beloved) will perform, along with local musicians and bands.

Mizoram successfully organised a winter festival from December 14 to 21 last year, which drew nearly 80,000 visitors, including tourists from neighbouring states and abroad, officials said.

Hmar further stated that the tourism department, in collaboration with the Sihphir Local Council, Young Mizo Association (YMA), and Sakawrhmuitual Development Committee, will organise a tourism event at the Sakawrhmuituai hills—about 21 km from Aizawl—on December 31 to witness the last sunset of the year.

He added that the tourism department will organise another event on January 6 and 7 at Phuaibuang village in Saitual district near the Manipur border, a location known for its beautiful cherry blossoms.

Hmar said the government is making strong efforts to attract more visitors from outside the state. The natural beauty of Mizoram, along with its vibrant culture, traditions, and tourist destinations, must be highlighted to boost tourism, he said. He also encouraged local residents to frequently visit the state’s tourist spots to help promote them.

Highlighting ongoing tourism initiatives, Hmar said projects worth Rs 349.91 crore—including the PM Ekta Mall in Aizawl and a heritage and cultural centre in Champhai—are currently under development to promote tourism.

He added that the government will soon introduce a “tourism calendar” to keep tourists informed about events throughout the year.

Officials said the state’s tourist footfall has steadily increased in recent years due to policy reforms and improved infrastructure.

More than 5.2 lakh tourists visited Mizoram during the 2024–25 fiscal year, marking a 139.5 percent rise over the previous year, they said.

They added that the opening of the new railway line in September has significantly contributed to the surge in tourist arrivals.