Annual Garden Tourism Festival kicks off tomorrow in Delhi

Keeping in mind India assuming the Presidency of the G-20 grouping, the theme of Delhi’s annual Garden Tourism Festival this year is Garden of Unity for G-20. The 35th edition of the festival to be held at Garden of Five Senses, Said-Ul-Ajaib village, will begin tomorrow and end on February 19.

Among the 300 varieties of plants and flowers on display, there will be many from abroad including cornflower from Germany, Turkey’s tulip, lily from Italy, Russia’s chamomile and Iris from France among others. Apart from these there will be hibiscus, protea and roses from India and abroad.

The venue spread over 20 acres will have several attractions for the visitors. There will be floral displays, theme gardens, horticultural demonstrations and other activities.

Among the major participants in the festival this year are horticulture departments of New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Jal Board, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Northern Railways, Archaeological Survey of India, Central Public Works Department, Hero Moto Corp and others.

During the event which will be inaugurated by Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi there will be competitions in 32 categories. These include potted plants, dahlia, hanging baskets, foliage plants, cactus and succulents, aromatic/herbal and medicinal plant, Bonsai Plants of different specifications, bougainvillea, floral animal, tray garden, theme garden, annual cut flowers in earthen vases, vegetables flower decoration, and flower arrangements and others.

Judges with domain knowledge will evaluate the exhibits.

There will be separate sections to enable visitors to buy books, organic items, plants, horticulture equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, saplings and other products.

To make the event entertaining there will be events featuring amateur musicians, and music bands, magic shows, on-the-spot painting competition and cultural performances by different academies of the Delhi Government.

Free shuttle service from Saket Metro station to the venue and back will be provided by Delhi Tourism.