Lalbagh’s iconic flower show with ‘Valmiki’ theme set to begin on January 16

Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s iconic flower show at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden is set to begin on January 16. 

The 217th flower show, themed around Maharshi Valmiki, is expected to attract over 10 lakh people from Bengaluru and beyond. The 11-day show is being conducted at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore. 

With just five days left for the show, flowering plants are being brought to the Glass House for the arrangements. 

M Jagadeesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens) said that the show themed around Valmiki will showcase a 15 feet tall floral tribute to depict creator of the epic Ramayana, with an anthill -  a metaphorical depiction of Valmiki’s determination to end his meditation. 

A statue of Valmiki made of fibre and plaster of paris also will be put up along with a 11 feet floral tribute, he noted adding that a floral replica of Valmiki’s Nepal house also will be made in the Glass House’s left wing. 

Tropical flowers like salvia, zinnia and petunia along with subtropical and temperate flowers like chemilia, azalea, cyclamen, begonia, impatiens are being brought from florists and gardeners from parts of Karnataka’s Hassan and Bengaluru Rural and Tamil Nadu’s Ooty. 

Jagadeesh said that with 85 varieties of flowers, the Glass House will be decked with 25 lakh flowers. 

Various poets and authors who were inspired by Valmiki Ramayana to write their version of the epic also will be given a floral tribute alongside replicas of Dandakaranya in the form of a vertical garden. 

About six lakh of 25 lakh flowers are grown in Lalbagh Botanical Garden. 

Lalbagh goes big on composting

After the flower show the dried flowers and plants will be used for composting while a significant part of it will be used for seed creation. Flowers like marigold will also be given for colour extraction for interested parties.

Ticket prices

Adults 

Rs 80 on week days 

Rs 100 on weekends 

Children - Rs 30 

Free entry for children in uniform up to class 10.