BENGALURU: PHOTOS BY P.K.ANANTH KUMAR
The Department of Horticulture will host the 220th Independence Day Flower Show at the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden from August 6 to August 17. The 12-day annual spectacle will immerse visitors in Karnataka’s rich heritage under the central theme, “The Grandeur of the Ganga Dynasty.”
Department Secretary Girish (IAS) announced the event details during a media briefing at the Lalbagh Information Center today. The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, following an official inauguration by the Chief Minister of Karnataka at 11:00 AM on August 6.
Architectural Marvels Recreated in Bloom
This year’s theme pays tribute to the Ganga Dynasty, which ruled the region for nearly seven centuries (325–1004 AD). Key historical milestones will be brought to life using millions of vibrant flowers, including seven rare indigenous and exotic varieties sourced from four different countries.
Major visual highlights inside the glass house include:
- The Begur Temple: A massive, detailed floral replica of the ancient shrine.
- Chavundaraya Basadi: A floral model of the famous Shravanabelagola structure.
- The Bahubali Statue: A striking vertical garden depicting the iconic Gommateshwara monolith.
- Dynastic Gallery: A curated display of floral sculptures representing various Ganga rulers.
Ticketing and Digital Access
To manage crowds and minimize wait times, organizers have introduced automated ticket kiosks at the venue and opened online booking through the official portal at hasiru.karnataka.gov.in.
Ticket pricing is structured as follows:
- Adults (Weekdays): ₹80
- Adults (Weekends): ₹100
- Children (under 14): ₹30
- School Students: Free entry on working days for students visiting in uniform.
Essential Visitor Guidelines
The Department of Horticulture has established strict operational protocols to ensure a smooth experience for the hundreds of thousands of expected visitors:
- Environmental Rules: Lalbagh remains a strict no-plastic zone. Outside food items are completely prohibited inside the garden.
- Amenities: More than 15 drinking water stations and multiple temporary toilet blocks have been deployed throughout the venue.
- Security Logistics: A dedicated security force of over 350 police personnel, overseen by DSPs, ACPs, and Police Inspectors, will manage crowd control and law enforcement.
- Transit and Parking: To avoid severe traffic congestion, visitors are strongly urged to travel via Namma Metro. For those driving, designated parking zones are available at the Shantinagar BMTC Bus Station, Al-Ameen College, the HOPCOMS premises, and the JC Road multi-level parking lot.
The briefing concluded with remarks from Ibrahim Maigur (IAS), Director of the Department of Horticulture, who was joined by the department’s joint and deputy directors to review final preparations for the flagship event.
ADVERTISEMENT
