Mizoram is preparing to host a grand winter festival in Aizawl this month, with the state government positioning the event as a major cultural attraction aimed at drawing both domestic and international tourists. The week-long celebration, scheduled for December 15–20 and again on December 23, will take place at the historic Lammual ground, which is being transformed into a vibrant cultural hub for the occasion. Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the festival will place Mizo culture at its heart, with traditional music, dances, and indigenous crafts forming the central attractions. The concluding day on December 23 will feature Christmas-themed events, including a decorated costume parade and a community carol singing programme, turning Lammual and nearby areas into a festive corridor. According to the minister, the aim is to create an atmosphere that highlights the warmth and hospitality of the Mizo people while giving visitors a memorable holiday experience.
The festival will also include charity stalls, children’s recreational zones, and a series of live concerts. Performances by both local artists and prominent names such as DJ Avanie from Mumbai, Naaz from Guwahati, Zehen from Bengaluru, and popular Northeast hip-hop artists Reble and Kim are expected to be major crowd-pullers. Officials recall that last year’s edition saw nearly 80,000 visitors, including tourists from neighbouring countries, pointing to the growing appeal of the event.Minister Hmar announced two more tourism initiatives planned for the season — a New Year’s Eve sunset celebration at the scenic Sakawrhmuituai hills, about 21 km from Aizawl, and a Cherry Blossom Festival at Phuaibuang village in Saitual district on January 6–7. Both events are expected to add momentum to the government’s push for destination-based tourism.
He further stressed that Mizoram’s tourism success depends not only on government initiatives but also on active participation from the public. He urged residents to explore and promote the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The government is presently undertaking tourism projects worth ₹349.91 crore, including the construction of a PM Ekta Mall in Aizawl and a heritage and cultural centre in Champhai. A comprehensive tourism calendar is also being prepared to help travellers plan their visits around the state’s major events. Tourism officials say Mizoram has recorded a steady surge in footfall, with more than 5.2 lakh visitors arriving in the 2024–25 fiscal year; a remarkable 139.5% increase from the previous year. The opening of a new railway line in September has played a key role in improving connectivity to the hill state and boosting tourist arrivals.
