Thaindian News

Bangalore, Aug 5 (IANS) It’s never too late to learn the meaning of freedom and peace. And what better way than to say it with flowers and fun on the 62nd anniversary of India’s Independence Aug 15.
That will be the message of the annual “Independence Day Flower Show” to be hosted at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden here by the Karnataka Horticulture Department.

“The aim of the show is to pass on the message of freedom and peace to young minds. Most of us don’t value our freedom, which the freedom fighters won from British hegemony after great hardship. Moreover, in today’s world of insecurity, mostly due to global terrorism, the meaning of peace too is fast diminishing,” M. Jagadeesh, deputy director of horticulture, told IANS.

“Thus we chose to use various species of flowers to pass on the messages. Several models made of flowers and leaves will depict messages of peace and freedom,” he added.

The 10-day show will kick-start at the lush green botanical garden spread over 240 acres in the heart of the city Aug 7.

With various interesting models made out of flowers and leaves, the show will try to attract children. Young ones will also have loads of fun, as towering models of dinosaurs and popular Walt Disney figures, including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, will amuse the kids.

“Along with educating young minds, various flower models of popular cartoon characters are going to provide entertainment for the children. I am sure children will learn and enjoy themselves during the 10-day fiesta,” said Jagadeesh.

“Over the years, the expectations of Bangaloreans from the show have increased. Thus we try one or the other theme to woo visitors to the festival. We’re hoping to attract around 200,000 visitors this time,” said Jagadeesh.

Another specialty this year will be a series of Thai style floral designs by Jayanthi, a Bangalore-based expert. “I will be using banana leaves and Janur fruit for showcasing Thai art,” said Jayanthi.

The famous glass house at Lalbagh will showcase around 300 varieties of potted flowers.

Along with common varieties like roses, marigolds, cockscomb and geranium, the show will also display a number of exotic flowers, including brachycome and colosia.

Around 400 people are expected to participate in the floral design competition. Contestants will have to pay as entry fee a sum of Rs.400 or Rs.200, depending on the nature of the flowers they are going to use to showcase their designs.

“Like every year, this time also I am going to pay a visit to Lalbagh and enjoy the flower show. The show is unique every time and I love coming to Lalbagh with friends and family,” said Geetha Rai, an IT professional.