New Delhi, 28 February 2020: Commencing the three-day extravaganza to Celebrate the vibrant hues of Mother Nature, the 33rd Garden Tourism Festival -organized by Delhi Tourism in association with Government of Delhi, was inaugurated today in a colourful ceremony by Mrs. Manisha Saxena, Hon’ble Secretary (Tourism), Govt of Delhi.
As a part of the inaugural ceremony Hon’ble Secretary (Tourism) also planted a sapling of mesua ferrea, commonly known as Nag Kesar. The inaugural event was also graced by Sh. Kartar Singh Tanwar, Hon’ble MLA, Sh. Sanjay Goel, MD & CEO, DTTDC and Sh. D. Varma, General Manager, DTTDC.
People across ages were seen in a joyous flair as they walked through the Garden of Five Senses, experiencing the floral sculptures, displays and arrangements dotting the venue. Catering to the objective of creating awareness about the environment the festival will continue to showcase the rich floriculture of Delhi and displays on the theme of ‘#Green Balcony, Green Delhi’ from 28 February -01 March 2020. Emphasizing on the importance of plants in one’s home, the festival brings together various elements that help one create flourishing home gardens.
Smt. Sumati Lal, a resident of Malviya Nagar stated, “I remember it was about a decade ago, when I was first made to visit this festival on its last day. Since then, I’ve revisited the Garden Tourism Festival, each year on the first day itself!”
The festival over the years has become the biggest flower show in the capital as participants include the horticulture departments of NDMC, CPWD, DJB, DDA, DDA Noida & Greater Noida, SDMC, Northern Railways, North, East & South MCD, leading nurseries, and suppliers of the horticulture equipment, seeds, fertilizers etc. A large variety of seasonal and exclusive flowers are displayed and competitions will be held in various categories.
Ms. Sakshi Ajmani, A young gardening enthusiast added,” I really like how this year’s theme strikes a chord with any and every resident of Delhi. Plants for me have always had the capacity to change a house into a home. The variety of plants I got to see and purchase here on a budget is priceless!”
The first day witnessed a fun-filled Rajasthani folk dance performance, followed by a melodious performance of Bollywood numbers by Sumit Pratap & Band. Kalbeliya performances coupled with the musical majesty of Sumit Pratap & Band enthralled the visitors. A variety of food stalls and several amusement facilities for children were thoroughly enjoyed as well.
The Highlights of 33rd Garden Tourism Festival are as follows:
• Display of Terrariums, Floral Animals, Potted Plants, Foliage, Medicinal & Herbal Plants, Hanging Baskets, Dahlia, Roses, Cacti, Bonsai, Bougainvillea, cut flowers, nursery stalls, etc
• Painting Competition for children
• Garden Bazaar: sale of flowers, plants, organic items, medicinal plants, gardening accessories, etc.
• Live Entertainment: Folk and cultural performances including bands
• Various food stalls where people will get to savor the taste of different delicacies.
• Activities like magic show, on the spot painting competition for children.
The festival shall remain open for the public from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on all three days. Delhi Tourism is also providing free shuttle service from Saket Metro Station to the venue and back.