Show dedicated to ‘queen of flowers’ to kick off next month
All India Winter Rose Show to be organized at Chanakyapuri on 23-24 December
By SHRI RAM SHAW
New Delhi: Various varieties of roses with different hues decorating the landscape, breathtaking floral displays, innovative new designs and exotic exhibits will be the high points of the All India Winter Rose Show, to be organized by the Rose Society of India on 23-24 December at India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The two-day event, the most prestigious Rose Show in the country, with colour-coordinated arrangements and fragrant set-ups at display will be a flowery treat for the residents of the national capital. Floribundas, hybrid teas and a wide variety of roses will be in full bloom for lovers of the flower in the city.
The much-awaited Rose Festival will be kicked off amidst much fanfare. Since its inception in 1961 Rose Society of India has been organizing its annual All India Winter Rose Show in the national capital. Each year in early October, the Society holds a workshop where individuals are trained on growing the flower and interact with rose experts to gain insights.
It will be really exciting to see so many beautiful flowers at one place. Many prominent organizations will display their flowers. A lot of people with their friends and families are likely to flock to the venue to have a glimpse of the beautiful flowers in all their blooming glory. The exhibition will display the choicest of flowers from numerous participants from different parts of the country.
Kuldeep Saddy, president of the Rose Society of India told this journalist (Shri Ram Shaw), “Beautiful flowers soothes the eyesight and calms the mind with their aesthetic colours. Colourful flowers also help in reducing stress. The idea is to let people unwind and also adopt such hobbies like growing roses and flowers, which support nature. The Show is organized every year in a bid to create platform for people to understand about different varieties of roses and their uses and advantages.”
Described as a “feast of colour and fragrance” by its organizer Rose Society of India, the event is dedicated to what is called the “queen of flowers”. Saddy said that exhibitors will display colour-coordinated arrangements and fragrant set-ups of the flower, as well as many Indian-raised roses, among others. An addition to this year’s show will be the participation of youth and children, with Saddy adding that youngsters have shown considerable interest in learning about the flower.
“Whether as a participant or a part of the audience, their feedback has been that of experiencing a sense of relaxation. Roses have captured the fascination of generations after generations,” said the 96-year-old, who also served as the former Director of Horticulture of the Central Public Works Department.
Saddy further said the vast range of colours is a sight to behold, with shades varying from amber to mauve. He said, “I am fond of many flowers, but the rose has become a special companion to me for the last dozen years or more. It is a symbol of beauty, of course, but also it has gentleness and certain graciousness which, alas, are not very evident in the world today.”
“The Show will be a visual treat for the flower lovers as it provides a chance to see large variety of rose – cut blooms of HT, Floribundas, miniature, climber rose and many more at one place. Beside, rose lovers visiting the show will be able to buy rose plants and garden equipment,” said secretary of Rose Society of India, Shiv Kumar Sharma adding that entry is free for all. On both days (Saturday & Sunday) people can visit from 10 PM to 6 PM and enjoy the beauty of colourful roses.
Many prominent organizations including CPWD, NDMC, MCD, Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), PGI Chandigarh, IARI, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will also display their flowers. A large number of individuals are also likely to compete under different categories of the Show.
YP Singh, president, Indian Nurserymen Association (INA), said although “all flowers have a unique character and beauty, rose is one of the most popular flowers worldwide and it is known as the ‘Queen of Flowers’. In terms of literature, the flower has been glorified as a symbol of love, compassion and eternal beauty. This two-day Rose Festival is a way to pay tribute to the magnificence of the roses and a mega celebration of nature.”
He added, “It will be a matter of great satisfaction to see tremendous interest and enthusiasm by different sections of society through their active participation. With people’s concern towards conserving nature and natural resources increasing year after year, it is sure that the coming years will see more colourful flower shows and greater participation and innovation in displaying the exhibits.”
He further said, “In today’s time there is alarming level of pollution in the city which apparently also leads to weakness of eyesight. Growing beautiful flowers and shade loving plants soothes the eyesight and calms the mind with their aesthetic colours. Rose is one such flower plant which can be easily planted in window garden and wall garden etc. and are easy to nurture,” Singh concluded.
