JOIN USMyriad of colours greets visitors to Curzon Park
In a corridor packed with blooming flowers, a large crowd jostles and shoves to photograph the ornate arrangements. Many caught up in the infectious spirit of the displays, use their mobile phones in haste.
The crowd’s reaction is typical of the response elicted by Dasara festivities at Curzon Park every year.
This year, however, may be the last in which the riotous colours of the Dasara blossoms make an appearance at Curzon Park. Plans have been made to move the show to Kuppanna Park next year.
The crowd, however, marvelled at a replica of the ‘Aane Gaadi’ (Elephant Cart), ornately crafted from over a lakh roses of various hues.
The flower sculpture served as the main attraction. A special team from Bangalore has been tasked with keeping the display fresh, by replacing the flowers every five days until the show ends on October 25.
Another popular attraction at the show is a Shiva Linga made from dry fruits and decorated with fresh fruits, including sweet lime and apples. Officials at the show described the effect of the display as being so striking that it made many visitors bow in reverence.
An Ikebana (Japanese Art of Flower arrangement) competition was held on Thursday and included two categories: one for women and children. Anxious participants with their exhibits were seen waiting for the results.
An entrepreneurial script has crept into the show. Commercialisation of all events was readily apparent as stalls made brisk business selling flower and vegetable seeds, saplings from the JSS agricultural university in Suttur and herbal medicinal plants.
In addition, many stalls sold including chappals, clips and purses. Food stalls sold pav bhaji, samosas and other items.
Garden service
The much-publicised horti-clinic and garden service centre by the district in-charge minister failed to elicit response from the general public.
The centre at Curzon Park, which was complete with posters and pamphlets, had no takers.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, assistant Horticultural officer Chetan lamented the fact that no agricultural and horticultural graduates were available on hand due to a variety of reasons.
He said that as a result, the cell has no counsellers to provide suggestions. “I have been stationed here in case there are any enquiries including farming methods, suitable crops, fertilisers to be used and alternate crops,” he explained.