It’s a beautiful world

Manika Ahuja

Bringing a dose of floral fantasy for those born with a green thumb, and a much-needed respite, to the eyes, more so in times when staggering amount of pollution and smog has enveloped the nation; the 30th edition of the Chrysanthemum Show is all set to please those who appreciate the language of flowers. An annual feature of the city, the latest edition of the show will see an enchanting showcase of as many as 259 varieties of Chrysanthemum, spread over an area of six acres of Chandigarh’s Terraced Garden.

Much in consonance with critically-acclaimed poet John Keat’s famous observation, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”, one sees many delighted onlookers capturing the ‘joyous beauty’ of the flowers as they strike a pose for their numerous ‘selfies’ at the show organised by Horticulture Department of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

Krishan Pal Singh, Executive Engineer with the Municipal Corporation, tries deciphering the reason why the show continues to entice city-dwellers, “This time around, we’ve received as many as 745 individual and government entries for the competition. It is a clear cut boost from the number of participants, last time, which came up to 723.”

Highlighting the significance of flowers, and the purpose behind having Chrysanthemum flowers as the fulcrum, Singh informs, “Chrysanthemum flowers are one of the most popular varieties with the plant lovers in the region. Not only are they good for decoration purposes, but also for the environment. ”

Pearls of wisdom

Not only will the show appeal to your aesthetic sense, but will make sure that your knowledge of Chrysanthemums receives a boost.

While beautiful floral arrangements in the shape of boats, and other animal figures and butterflies made of flowers, are attracting eyeballs, a photo gallery comprising as many as 32 pictorial representations of different varieties, will welcome the city dwellers to acquaint them with the various kinds of Chrysanthemums.

Flower power

Those on a ‘selfie spree’, cannot help but appreciate the novel purpose that the show will serve in the long run-that of sensitising people to the environment and re-establishing the bond with nature.

DP Singh, senior manager with Punjab National Bank (PNB), who came a day ahead of the formal inauguration of the show with his little daughter, shares what brought the duo to satiate their floral fantasy, “Festivals like these go a long way in boosting the awareness levels of the masses when it comes to being sensitive towards the environment, which is why I decided to get my daughter along.”

Standing in the midst of enchanting flowers oozing out heavenly fragrance all around, and returning without a selfie? Seems like a paradox, does it not? And so it apparently is, for one can see loads of onlookers capturing the moment in their snazzy phones. Diksha Badhwar and her friend Pooja Chowdhary, students at Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, pass a smile and nod their heads in ready agreement, “We’ve taken so many pictures so that we can relive these moments spent in the lap of nature, whenever we want. In days when pollution is rapidly touching an-all time high, it is a rarity to come in direct contact with the bounties of nature.”

Prabhjot Kaur, serving as assistant professor with Nawanshahar College, puts it the best, “Shows like these send out a great message highlighting the significance of nature in our lives and the need to cherish that bond.”

(The three-day show on at Chandigarh’s Terraced Garden concludes on December 11)