R-D flower show off to a colourful start in Mandya

The floral replica of Melkote Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple, sand sculptures of horticulture expert Marigowda and Ramanujacharya, flower pyramids, vegetable carvings and a variety of programmes for the public are the main attractions of the Flower Show, being held as part of the Republic Day, on the premises of Horticulture department in Mandya.

Finishing touches are being given for the five-day flower show to be held from January 26, organised by the Horticulture department, in association with Agriculture, Fisheries, and other departments.

A variety of plants have been brought from Lalbagh in Bengaluru. Various departments are also participating in the competition vying for the best garden certificate. Farmers are also given an opportunity to display their produce and participate.

Government offices, industries, educational institutions and the general public too have entered the contests by beautifying their gardens.

Millet mela

Millet mela is being organized as part of the Flower Show. A stall that gives information on Apiculture (bee keeping) has been set up. Arrangements have been made for an interaction between the farmers and the horticultural experts, who will provide valuable suggestions. More than 30 stalls are being set up on the premises as part of the Flower Show.

Various competitions like flower rangoli, Ikebana, vegetable carving will be held from January 27 and the valedictory ceremony will be held on January 30. Cultural programmes will be held every day at 6 pm on all the five days.

Lalbagh model

Speaking to DH, Horticulture department deputy director M S Raju said that the Flower Show is similar to one that is organised at Lalbagh in Bengaluru. District in-charge Minister N Krishnappa will inaugurate. Horticulture Minister S S Mallikarjun will inaugurate the stalls. MLA M H Ambareesh will preside. MP C S Puttaraju and other dignitaries will attend, he said.

There will be free entry for the Flower Show for children and farmers from 10 am to 5 pm. However, post 5 pm, the entry fee for the show will be Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for the children.