Bangalore : Myriad Colours Come Alive at the Republic Day Flower Show

Melisha Noronha – Daijiworld Media Network Bangalore
Pics: Aakash Poojari - Polali

Bangalore, Jan 24: It is that time of the year again when thousands throng the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Bangalore to have a glimpse of some of the most beautiful and delicate of God’s creations- flowers. And if there is one place you have to visit this week, it is the Republic Day Flower / Horticulture Show which is open to public till January 27, 2008.

Lalbagh has for decades been a must-visit place for tourists and local people alike. But come, January and August when the flower shows are held, the place draws people from across the country. The Glass House which is the main attraction here comes alive with a million shades that soothe the soul and senses.

The show that began on January 19 has over 200 annual flowering plants and over a hundred winter flowering plants on display. Apart from this there is an exclusive vegetable garden that boasts of different variety of vegetables, in various shapes and sizes.

The flower show witnesses entries from various Defence establishments, public sector undertakings, information technology companies, banks and hotels putting forth their best pots and plants on display. Prizes are awarded to qualifying participants in different categories.
As part of the eight-day show, competitions in Ikebana, vegetable carvings, Pushpa Bharathi, Bonsai, Dutch flower arrangements, Thai art, Janur, cut flowers and dry flower arrangements are being held.

While there were around 529 participants in the horticulture show last year, a record of 591 participants have registered for this year’s Republic Day flower show. Similarly, 325 participants had registered for Ikebena, Pushpa Bharathi, Bonasai and vegetable carvings this year whereas 302 took part last year.

An added attraction this year are the flowering plants from Ooty and Nandi Hills. There are various stalls at the venue that sell everything from herbal products to food items to garden implements.  As for gardening enthusiasts, there is a lot to look forward to. Fertilizers, different types of garden tools, decorative pots and imported garden supplies are just a few among the many items sold at the venue.

Like every year in the past, this year too many plant nurseries have set up stalls and have myriad varieties of saplings on sale. Here one can find saplings of flowering plants, medicinal herbs, fruit bearing trees, ornamental plants and bonsai at good prices.

It is said that the greatest gift of  a garden is the restoration of five senses and a visit to the Lalbagh Botanical Garden will definitely prove every word right. If bread feeds the body, then flowers definitely feed the soul.

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