In a first, Cubbon Park to host 11-day flower show from November 27

For the first time, the Department of Horticulture will organise a flower show at Cubbon Park from November 27 to December 7.

The show, which is being attempted at this scale for the first time in the popular lung space, will be modelled on the annual Lalbagh Flower Show. The State Horticulture Department has allocated nearly ₹40 lakh for the 11-day show.

The show theme blends Children’s Day and Karnataka Rajyotsava, shaping the designs of the floral installations as well as the cultural programmes. The exhibition will run from the Fountain circle near the Bandstand up to the Bal Bhavan Gate, one of Cubbon Park’s busiest corridors. The event will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with officials expecting the footfall to cross two lakh visitors.

“Entry has been fixed at ₹30 for adults and ₹10 for children, while schoolchildren coming in uniform with valid ID cards will be get free entry, which is meant to draw more children to the park and encourage early interest in horticulture. Parking arrangements have been strengthened to manage the expected footfall. Parking around the Central Library will be open on all days except Sundays. On weekends, visitors will be able to park at the KGD building and near the High Court,” G. Kusuma, Deputy Director, Cubbon Park, Horticulture Department, told The Hindu.

Earlier too, the Horticulture Department has conducted smaller exhibitions in collaboration with other departments such as the Women and Child Welfare Department, but those events were limited to just a few days. “This is the first edition being held for more than a week, and the response this year will determine whether the Cubbon Park Flower Show becomes an annual feature like the Lalbagh Flower Show. After this year’s trials, we will understand what additions can be done to attract visitors,” Ms. Kusuma added. 

The displays will feature 50 varieties of plants and 50 varieties of flowering species. More than 100 stalls will be set up, including nurseries, gardening accessory shops, craft stalls, and food counters.

Alongside the floral displays, the event will host a series of cultural programmes, including classical music concerts and folk performances. Special flower installations will be designed, while various academies will showcase architectural pieces and stone sculptures along the main walkway.