Delhi’s winter gardens bloom with vibrant colours, offering a peaceful, rejuvenating escape amid chilly mornings, writes SAKSHI PRIYA

“Flowers are the music of the ground, from Earth’s lips they speak” — Edwin Curran

As winter settles in, Delhi transforms into a canvas painted with nature’s brightest colours. In January and February, the city bursts into bloom, with vibrant flowers filling the air with fragrance and painting the streets in shades of red, pink, white and yellow.

The cold breeze brushes against your face, but it’s the sight of flowers scattered across parks, streets and gardens that brings warmth to the season. Wrapped in woollen layers, people venture out, eager to experience the charm of Delhi’s winter gardens. The city, known for its bustling streets and busy markets, becomes a space of natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape for those who wish to experience the quieter side of life.

The streets are alive with flower vendors, their carts brimming with bright blossoms. The colours of the flowers stand out against the grey of the streets, giving a joyful touch to the city’s landscape. From Daisies to roses, every flower seems to tell its own story, contributing to the lively atmosphere. Parks and gardens are filled with families, children and friends, all taking time to marvel at nature’s work.

Among the many spots where Delhiites gather, the Brics Friendship Rose Garden stands out. Its endless varieties of roses, red, pink, white, and yellow, fill the garden with their elegance. A walk through this garden feels like stepping into a painting, where every bloom is carefully placed to create a masterpiece. The roses, with their soft petals and vibrant colours, seem to tell the story of the season, a season of beauty, growth, and renewal.

Not far from here, Lodi Garden offers its own magic. The soft winter sunlight filters through the trees, casting long shadows on the ground while highlighting bursts of colour from the flowers below. Daisies, with their cheerful white petals, brighten up garden beds, adding a light touch to the winter gloom. Poppies sway gently in the breeze, their bold red petals creating a striking contrast against the muted backdrop. Dianthus barbatus, with its detailed patterns, draws curious gazes from those who pass by. It’s a place that invites you to pause and appreciate the little things, like the texture of a flower’s petals or the way the wind makes them dance. The quiet hum of the park, combined with the gentle presence of flowers, creates an atmosphere of calm, offering a break from the city’s constant rush.

One of the highlights of the season is Amrit Udyan, formerly known as the Mughal Gardens, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Open to the public for a brief period at the end of January and the beginning of February, the garden offers a breathtaking experience. The garden, with its grand pathways and symmetrical design, is home to a variety of flowers, each more stunning than the last. Hyacinths, with their soft pastel shades and soothing fragrance, line the walkways, offering a moment of tranquillity in the midst of the garden’s grandeur. The roses - carmosine, bonica and bush roses, stand out as the garden’s crown jewels. Their delicate petals, in varying shades of red, pink, and white, add an elegant touch to the space. The golden blooms of the yellow sibipiruna trees brighten the garden, their cheerful colour lighting up even the quietest corners.

Together, these flowers create a space where nature takes centre stage, inviting visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the beauty around them.

The flowers in Amrit Udyan and other gardens around the city don’t just beautify the landscape, they also bring a sense of togetherness. Families walk hand in hand, children run along flower-lined paths, their laughter echoing through the air. Couples sit on benches, quietly enjoying the view, while elderly visitors bask in the warmth of the sun. The flowers provide a peaceful backdrop for these moments, adding a sense of calm to the busy lives of the city’s inhabitants. It’s a time when Delhi feels slower, gentler, and more inviting, with nature offering its own reminder to take a break from the fast pace of modern life.

Even in the busiest corners of Delhi, there are small moments of beauty to be found. Flower vendors, with their colourful carts, brighten up the busiest streets. Roundabouts are dotted with flower beds, each one a small oasis of colour in the midst of the traffic. Trees adorned with golden flowers seem to lift everyone’s spirits, their bright blooms creating a cheerful atmosphere even in the most crowded areas. These small touches of nature add an unexpected layer of beauty to the city, offering a gentle reminder of the season’s charm.

While Delhi’s streets can often feel chaotic, its gardens offer a peaceful reprieve. Whether you’re in the Brics Friendship Rose Garden, Lodi Garden or Amrit Udyan, the flowers remind you to slow down, to appreciate the beauty around you and to find moments of stillness in the hustle of everyday life.

PHOTOS : PANKAJ KUMAR