829 rose varieties to spread fragrance

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14

A total of 14,000 plants of 829 rose varieties will be put on display during the 46th three-day Rose Festival to be held from February 23 to 25 at Sector 16 here.

Krishan Pal Singh, Executive Engineer, horticulture, MC, said the festival would be celebrated on the 40-acre Rose Garden premises. Special competitions on flower, painting, newlywed couples, Rose King-Queen (for senior citizens) and others will be conducted during the fest.

The forms for participation are available at the entrance gate of Rose Garden till February 22. Folk dances, representing culture of different Indian states, will also be presented during the festival.

Chopper ride will be an attraction at the fest this year too. The 20-minute chopper ride will start from the Parade Ground in Sector 17.

However, there will be no craft stalls and eating joints at the venue this year. The decision to this effect followed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court over littering of the garden during the festival last year.

The food stalls will, however, be put up across the road at Leisure Valley in Sector 10.

The MC has earmarked Rs 55.67 lakh for holding the event. Last year, the budget was of Rs 48.65 lakh.