Two-day flower show kicks off at PAU
Growers, enthusiasts flock to event exhibiting multi-hued varieties of flowers
The two-day annual flower show at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) unfolded like a living canvas where nature painted its brilliance in every hue imaginable. Beds of marigolds glowed like drops of sunshine, roses blushed in shades of crimson and pink while delicate orchids and lilies lent elegance to the scene. Garden paths seemed to ripple with yellow, purple, red and white blossoms swaying gently in the breeze creating a symphony of fragrance and beauty. Families, students and visitors paused to admire the artistry of blooms that celebrated both science and nature’s timeless charm.
Flower growers and enthusiasts flocked to the show, exhibiting multi-hued varieties of flowers in varied designs and dimensions. Organised in collaboration with the Estate Organisation, the show was dedicated to the versatile personality, Dr MS Randhawa, who played an institutional role in the promotion of landscaping and penned several books on ornamental trees, shrubs and gardens.
A family admires flowers during the flower show at the PAU in Ludhiana on Thursday. Himanshu Mahajan
Inaugurating the show, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, who was the chief guest, applauded the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping for keeping the momentum high among flower cultivators and enthusiasts by carrying forward the rich legacy of holding the show every year.
“The display of the divine beauty, delicate touch, deep thoughts and the delightful scene through an infinite number of floral pots eases the stress and promotes prosperity among the onlookers,” observed Dr Gosal.
“Upswing in demand-driven floriculture occupation has scaled-up flower purchase, thus, leading to long-term gains to growers and sellers,” he remarked. The university has also done a remarkable floriculture research, leading to floral intensity and diversity that has since inception been given due recognition by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, he added.
The guest of honour, Dr APS Gill, former professor of Floriculture, PAU, and ex-National Consultant of Floriculture, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), said: “The bright-and light-coloured flowers present the unparalleled beauty of the spring season.” Being an important part of horticulture to promote diversification, flower seed production and cultivation was a long-lasting booming business, he observed.
Welcoming an ‘awe-inspiring’ response to the ‘breath-taking’ floral beauty, Dr Parminder Singh, head, DFL, called the annual event the highly-awaited and the most-sought after show. Showcasing the floral beauty through 37 stalls, the show organised competition in 10 different classes of fresh and dry flower arrangements, seasonal flowers, foliage plants, cacti, succulents, ferns and bonsai, he said.
The competition saw an active participation from individuals, hobbyists, private institutions, amateurs, government and semi-government institutions and nurseries, he added.
