Independence Day flower show to celebrate Rani Chennamma, Rayanna at Lalbagh

Bengaluru: The Horticulture Department has started preparations for the much-awaited annual Independence Day flower show. From freshly painted sidewalks to well-maintained hedges, there’s a buzz of activity at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

The theme for this year’s flower show is “Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna.” Since both are from Kittur, the displays will include representations of the Kittur Fort and even Rani Chennamma’s grave.

The 218th flower show will run for 12 days, from August 7 to 18. It will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 7, followed by an Ikebana class for women and children at 1 pm on the August 9. The class will teach flower arrangements and vegetable carvings.

Tickets are priced at Rs 80 on weekdays and Rs 100 on weekends for adults. The entry fee is Rs 30 for students above 12 years, and free for uniformed school students on working days.

Five mini hospitals will be set up for emergencies, offering vaccinations and anti-venom for accidents, dog bites, and snake bites. Police support and parking will also be available. However, only school buses and emergency vehicles will be allowed inside the park.

New staff, vehicles, home guards, and volunteers will be deployed to maintain cleanliness throughout the show, said M Jagdeesh, Joint Director of the Horticulture Department. “The show will be eco-friendly with no-plastic zones and extra cleaning measures, despite an expected footfall of 9 to 10 lakh people,” he added.