Vasantotsav 2018 starts today at Raj Bhawan

The Vasantotsav 2018 will start at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday with a range of activities in addition to the flower exhibition and competition. Addressing the media on Friday, the Governor Krishan Kant Paul said that with new attractions added to the annual Vasantotsav programme since it was launched in 2003, the event has now become a part of the cultural calendar and attracts a considerable number of participants and visitors. It is not just a flower exhibition but also a showcase of the potential Uttarakhand has for floriculture. He said that with the event gaining in popularity, cultural programmes have also been included in the Vasantotsav. The focus will be on the folk music and dances of Uttarakhand. A special postal cover on Jambu- a medicinal plant found in high -altitude areas of the state will also be released on the first day of the event. Apart from this, a painting competition will also be organised for children. Yoga display and demonstration of Judo-Karate and unarmed combat by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force personnel will also be part of the programme. The bands of the Indian Military Academy and Provincial Armed Constabulary will also be performing during the occasion.

Referring to floriculture in Uttarakhand, the Governor said that the horticulture department is making necessary efforts to boost cultivation of flowers in the state which has conditions conducive for such cultivation. Before creation of the state flowers used to be cultivated on about 150 hectare land area which has now increased to 1490 hectares area. Apart from rose, marigold, Rajnigandha various types of flowers are being cultivated. At present, a total of 2073 metric tonnes of loose flower and 15.65 crore cut flowers are being produced in the state. The governor also referred to scope for cultivation of Bulgarian rose in places like Munsyari in Pithoragarh district. The bulk of the national demand for this flower is imported. The extract of this rose sells for about Rs eight lakh a litre, so boosting the cultivation of the Bulgarian rose can prove highly beneficial for the locals in Uttarakhand. Elaborating on the Vasantotsav programme, Paul said that considering the enthusiasm of hobbyists into floriculture this year, they have been allowed to participate in the flower exhibition and competition with just three flower entries whereas the minimum entries required in the past was 10. A total of 153 awards will be given to the top three position holders in nine main categories and 51 sub categories. Vertical gardens- a metal frame with fixtures for potted plants- will also be displayed at the event. Referring to popularity of the event, the Governor said that he was glad that the people of Dehradun understand the importance of greenery and flowers and are thus going for plantation in a big way.

The Vasantotsav will be inaugurated by the Governor at 11 AM on Saturday and will be open to the public from 12 noon till 6 PM. On Sunday, it will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM. It will also have food court, stalls set up by various government departments, institutions and private enterprises on aspects related to floriculture.