Lalbagh's flowery fiesta blooms, draws 15,000 visitors on inaugural day

BENGALURU: Sound of water, fragrance of exotic flowers, sprays of cool mist and intricate floral decorations greeted visitors on the opening day of Independence Day flower show at

Lalbagh

on Friday. Bedecked with flowers of every hue, the

Glass House

, housing a special tribute to Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, was the cynosure of all eyes. This year’s show is dedicated to the contributions of Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa or

Kuvempu

as he’s popularly known. The occasion marks the 50th anniversary of him winning the Jnanpith award.

Eager to catch a glimpse of the floral replica of the legend’s house and Kavishaila, the hill beside the abode, and the other installations, crowds waited outside, as a slew of dignitaries, including governor VajubhaiVala, explored the exhibits. The house, decorated primarily with white and red flowers, forms the centre of the exhibit, resplendent in its intricacy and complete with doors and windows. The walls of the special enclosure display information and facts about the poet. The 206th flower show also has a recreation of the

Kavishaila

in

Shivamogga

, a monument made of megalithic rocks dedicated to Kuvempu.

Kuvempu’s daughter Tharini was present on occasion. The show inaugurated in the afternoon, saw 15,000 visitors by evening.

Tia, an 11-year-old student from Vidyaniketan, Hebbal, found the flower show different and innovative. “Not just flowers, they have also made buildings and houses out of them. It’s very innovative and will surely make people notice our city,” said the girl, who was visiting the botanical gardens with her family.

“This is the first time I’m coming for the show. Everything looks beautiful and there’s so much to explore. I think I’ll be spending a few hours here,” said, Manjula, 56, a visitor.

But not everyone was equally enamoured. Narasimha Reddy, who’s come from the US to visit his son, said he was more impressed by last year’s show. “There’s no denying that all the flowers here are expensive and exotic, but I think last year’s display was better,” he said, adding only places like Lalbagh had the space and resources to create a beautiful atmosphere like this.

Attractions galore

This year too, the Independence Day show is living up to its reputation of transforming the botanical gardens into an abode of flowery delight. Visitors from across age groups were seen posing for photos and selfies with flower arrangements, wreathed arches and cascading bushes in the backdrop. The floral replica of the Jog Falls was another big hit among visitors. Stalls selling snacks, books, potted plants and seeds drew saw huge footfall.

SHOW’S ON

When: Inaugurated on August 4, it’ll be on till August 15

Where: Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Mavalli

Timings: 9.30am to 6pm

Tickets: Available at all four entry points between 9.30am and 6pm

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