Western Gangas, Subhash Chandra Bose among theme options for August 15 flower show in Lalbagh
For the Independence Day flower show in Lalbagh, the Department of Horticulture has listed 20 different themes and is awaiting the approval from government. A
For the Independence Day flower show in Lalbagh, the Department of Horticulture has listed 20 different themes and is awaiting the approval from government. A Horticulture Department official said, “ Every year, these categories include freedom fighters, literary writers or authors and kingdoms that ruled Karnataka. For this year, the three main themes that we have listed are Western Ganga dynasty that ruled Karnataka from about 350 to 1004 CE, freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, and Jnanpith awardees in Kannada. The list of these themes has been sent to the government.
It is likely to be approved by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar soon.” He added, “We will work on the micro details of the theme – whether there should be a monument, portraits, etc. once it is finalised. This will be the 220th flower show of Lalbagh.” “We started preparing for the Independence Day flower show as soon as the Republic Day flower show ended. There are varieties of flowers that take three to four months to bloom, while some take one and a half months’ time. Around 25 days is enough to place everything, present the theme and begin the show.” Furthermore, the department has cultivated over 2,50,000 flower pots in various spots including Lalbagh, Cubbon Park and Nandi hills.
The total number of flowers used in the show is around 35 lakh, which includes cut flowers and pots cultivated by the department and private nurseries. “Our team visits various nurseries in Pune, Andhra Pradesh and hubs of floriculture. Some of these nurseries are known for importing flowers from other countries and cultivating them. Such imported flowers are identified and plants are purchased not just to be presented in the flower show but also include them among our cultivated varieties. Additionally, the team visits nurseries in Bengaluru that are specialised in cultivating Chrysanthemums of different colours and size.
There are also nurseries where we prefer to purchase Indo American varieties including Marigold, Petunias, Snapdragons and more. Roses and orchids are common in all the shows,” he explained. Like every year, the department is expecting more than 12 lakh visitors and ticket rates will be also finalised once the theme is announced.
The BriefWire