Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Feb 14: Flowers of myriad colours arranged beautifully in an array of designs, including one depicting the Mars Orbiter, are attracting visitors to Kadri Park. The occasion is the annual flower show and exhibition of various horticultural products organized by the horticulture department.

The event was inauguarted by district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai on Saturday February 14.

Addressing the gathering, Ramanath Rai said, "I have been inaugurating this exhibition for many years, and compared to previous years, the organizers have put up a better show this time.

"Since we do not have enough farming activities with nuclear families of today, terrace garden and other small gardens have become popular these days. Flowers and vegetables grown in these gardens have become a source of income as well as hobbies. The horticulture department supports the terrace cultivation through subsidy," Rai said.

Floral model of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)

A floral model of Mars Orbiter Mission which was made exclusively for the exhibition was the cynosure of all eyes. The unique model has been shaped out of over 12,000 Dutch roses, carnations, lilies and other flowers. Visitors were seen posing for pictures with the model.

Besides, there are variety of flowers such as marigold, cosmos, celosia, pentas and canna. In addition to it, the department has also displayed rows of bottle gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, radish, spinach, pumpkin, including other vegetables for the show along with stalls of seeds, fertilizers, handicraft items and agricultural machinery.

The exhibition has a nominal entry fee of Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children and is open till February 17.

Mayor Mahabala Marla and Yogesh H R, deputy director, department of gorticulture among others were present on the occasion.