The 216th Independence Day flower show at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, running from August 8 to 19, will honour Dr B R Ambedkar and his monumental contributions to Indian history. This year’s event is expected to draw around 12 lakh visitors, making it one of the most anticipated floral exhibitions in the city.
The flower show will showcase an impressive 27 lakh flowers, including nine lakh cut varieties. Visitors can look forward to seeing 85 varieties of annual flowers and 27 varieties of temperate flowers, all arranged in a stunning display. The event, with a total cost of Rs 2.8 crore, will feature an array of horticultural wonders, including red hot pokers, tuberous-rooted begonias, cydonia, azaleas, and fuchsias.
Preparations for the show have been underway since July 29, with over 80 artists and workers working diligently to create intricate floral designs. Prominent Bengaluru-based artists Satya Agarwal and Kalidas Raj are leading the effort, bringing their expertise to construct elaborate floral structures within the glasshouse at Lalbagh.
A major highlight of this year’s show will be a larger-than-life floral replica of the old Parliament House, featuring a 12-foot statue of Dr Ambedkar prominently displayed at the front. The left wing of the display will feature a floral representation of Bhim Janmabhoomi, Ambedkar’s birthplace memorial in Indore, and a floral model of Chaityabhoomi, where Ambedkar was cremated. These displays are designed to offer a visual journey through Ambedkar’s life and legacy.
Additionally, 80 metal plaques measuring 8×4 feet will be strategically placed throughout the garden to narrate significant milestones in Ambedkar’s life. These plaques will provide visitors with an informative and engaging ‘jeevana darshana,’ or life vision, of Dr Ambedkar, highlighting his profound impact on Indian society and his role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
With final preparations nearing completion, the Lalbagh flower show promises to be both a beautiful and educational experience, celebrating Dr Ambedkar’s enduring legacy in a grand and colourful fashion.
