A rose, a prayer

Mona

Patriotic fervour imbues the 47th Rose Festival in the city, which is themed as a tribute to the Pulwama martyrs. People, old and young, took off their shoes, queued up in line for paying floral tributes at the Amar Jawan memorial set for the same, as stoic CRPF personnel stood guard on the two sides. 

Grief as well as resolve writ large on their faces, many got teary-eyed as the tunes of Mera Rang De Basanti Chola wafted through the garden decorated with colourful flowers and figurines.

Supreme sacrifice

“It’s because of them that we go about our lives in a carefree manner; their sacrifice is supreme,” shares Ragini, as she hold hands with her friend Sukriti, both students, wiping tears with her dupatta. While the mood was sombre, little kids managed to bring smiles to many a faces. 

Three-year-old Karman feels important as her father requests personnel in uniform to hold the little child in their arms for a picture! “About time that children know the value of our braveheart forces,” shares Harinder Pratap Singh, an advocate who will be happy to see his tiny-tot don a uniform one day.

Tune of solidarity

The bands in sparkling uniforms and shining instruments won many hearts. The CRPF Brass Band played their theme Desh Ke Hai Hum Rakshak to a solemn mood. The bands of Haryana Police, Chandigarh Police, Punjab and Haryana Home Guards matched the mood. “Soldiers have sacrificed their lives before, it’s only now the nation has stood in solidarity,” shares Inspector Mool Chand, who hopes that the children of the slain jawans are taken care of and not forgotten 15 years down the line, when they need help in starting their professional journeys.

Then there is the standard shikara, elephant and camel, all made of marigold, and a giant rabbit! There are also flowers – in reds, pinks, yellows and whites. Interesting names like a President Giri, Flaming Flamero, Golden Midas Touch and Garnet Maid of Honour 722 are spread all across. The flower arrangements, rangoli competition and various colourful stalls, such as the Japanese Zen Garden by the students of Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Chandigarh, also catch the eye.

(On till February 24)

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