The third edition of the Leitlangpui Music Festival (LMF) 2026 concluded on November 13 at Lena Stadium, Serkawn, in Lunglei district of Mizoram. The three-day festival was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Tourism Department, Government of Mizoram, with BBY Animals serving as the official event management partner.
The closing evening attracted a large gathering of music enthusiasts, local residents and visitors. Mizoram Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar attended the event along with Lunglei High Powered Committee Vice Chairman V. Malsawmtluanga, municipal councillors and government officials.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Third edition of Leitlangpui Music Festival held from November 11–13, 2026.
Venue: Lena Stadium, Serkawn, Lunglei, Mizoram.
Jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism and Mizoram Tourism Department.
BBY Animals served as the official event management partner.
Around 100 stalls featured local products, food, handicrafts and traditional attire.
Ten finalist bands competed after 30 entries were received. Since 90's from Nagaland won the band competition.
Addressing the gathering, the Tourism Minister thanked the organising committee, local authorities, community leaders, government departments and residents of Lunglei for their contributions to the festival.
He highlighted the importance of cultural events in promoting tourism and supporting local businesses. Referring to the participation of local vendors and entrepreneurs, he said such festivals help generate economic activity in the host communities.
According to figures shared by the Tourism Minister, Mizoram received 8,41,322 tourist visits in 2025, including 1,33,520 in December. He further stated that the state had recorded 7,37,626 tourist visits up to September 2026. He expressed confidence that cultural festivals and community-based tourism initiatives would help attract more visitors.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The festival promotes Mizoram's musical and cultural heritage while providing opportunities for emerging artists, local entrepreneurs and tourism-related businesses. Events of this kind can also help bring greater attention to Lunglei and southern Mizoram.
The closing evening featured performances by RNZX, Dingtea Guite, Saka, Serkawn Band, Rokhumbeu, Johan H. Lalmalsawma, Your Sweetest Memories, Ruatpuii and Triautrackx.
A major attraction of the festival was the Leitlangpui Band Contest, which featured 10 finalist bands selected from 30 entries received from across India. The finalists represented Mizoram, Assam and Nagaland.
Since 90's from Dimapur, Nagaland, secured first place in the competition. Portraits.MP3 from Aizawl, Mizoram, finished second, while Earthiest, also from Aizawl, secured third place.
The first-place winner received a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, while the second and third-place winners received ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000, respectively.
The festival also featured approximately 100 stalls offering food and beverages, traditional attire, handicrafts and other products. Recreational areas and public awareness booths were also set up for visitors.
During his address, the Tourism Minister highlighted the importance of encouraging residents to explore Mizoram's scenic destinations and promote them through their experiences and photographs.
He also announced upcoming tourism events, including a winter festival at Tlaizawng Paradise in Phuaibuang on December 17 and 18, 2026, and the Sakawrhmuituai Sunset event on December 30 and 31.
The Leitlangpui Music Festival provided a platform for musicians and emerging bands while bringing together local businesses, cultural communities and visitors. Its third edition also highlighted the potential of cultural events to promote tourism and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs in Mizoram.
