Thousands rock to Shirock : British band Monuments leave music lovers in a tizzy Prophets from Mizoram walk away with Shirock crown

Mungchan Zimik
UKHRUL, May 29 : People in thousands from across Manipur and beyond swarmed Bakshi ground in Ukhrul on the last day of Shirui Lily Festival as British progressive metal band Monuments captivated the music lovers and spectators alike with their best numbers on the closing night.
Monuments closed the 4th edition of Shirock, the main entertainment item of Shirui Lily Festival leaving the fans in a tizzy.
Notably, Monuments has released four full-length albums via Century Media Records, Gnosis, The Amanuensis, Phronesis and In Stasis in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2022 respectively.
At least 16 rock bands competed for the coveted Shirock title which carried a cash award of Rs 10 lakh, but it was The Prophets from Mizoram which took home the prize.  
The Prophets from Mizoram was declared winner of the Shirock 2022 while Symphonic Illusion from Meghalaya and 1BHK from Manipur were declared the first and second runner up respectively.
Individual prizes of Shirock contest were also awarded to Suraj Chingkheimayum of Aural Paradox (best vocal), Jaye Haokip of Echoes of Mercy (best bassist), Donald Pheipi of Variation (Best guitarist), Raegan Yumnam of Terra Progeny (best drummer), Samuel of The Prophets (best keyboardist)  and Symphonic Illusion  (best stage act).
The Prophets, winner of the band competition, walked away with a cash award of Rs 10 lakh while Symphonic Illusion and 1BHK were given Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh respectively.
The Shirui Lily Festival was organised by the Manipur Tourism Department.