Rose Fest begins on patriotic note

Chandigarh, February 22

The 47th Rose Festival began with homage to CRPF jawans martyred in the recent Pulwama terror attack, at Rose Garden here today.

The three-day festival was inaugurated by MP Kirron Kher in the presence of Mayor Rajesh Kumar, MC Commissioner KK Yadav and other councillors.

The MC dedicated the Rose Festival to the CRPF jawans martyred in the Pulwama terror attack. A neatly arranged enclosure has been set up right in front of the entry gate where photographs of the 40 CRPF martyrs have been displayed.

Balihar Singh, Commandant, 13 Battalion, CRPF, will be the chief guest for the events tomorrow. Patriotic programmes would be held to pay tributes to the martyrs.

Kirron Kher and other dignitaries today paid homage at “Amar Jawan”. Throughout the day, people from all walks of life paid tributes to the CRPF jawans. The MC has installed an LED on a wall to play patriotic songs and short clips of the Indian Army.

Addressing the gathering, Kirron said it was a good move of the MC to pay respects and homage to the martyred CRPF jawans.

The Mayor said a bank draft for Rs 25 lakh, dedicated to the families of the CRPF martyrs, would be handed over to the CRPF Commandant tomorrow. — TNS

Event Line-up today

• 9 am Rose Prince and Rose Princess competitions
• 11 am Kite-flying competition
• 11.20 am Rose Quiz
• 11. 30 am Tributes to be paid to Pulwama martyrs by the Commandant, 13th Battalion, CRPF, and CRPF jawans
• 3 pm “Guhar-e-Hind”, a patriotic play to be staged by artistes of Samwad Theatre Group
• 4.30 pm Patriotic songs by Dr Mamta Joshi

51 enjoy chopper ride on day 1

• As many as 51 persons enjoyed the chopper ride on the inaugural day of the three-day Rose Festival.
• Peeush Mathur, project head, Dhillon Aviation, Delhi, said they were expecting more rush during the next two days. The MC had selected the company to provide joy rides at the cost of Rs 2,310 per person during the festival.