Basantotsav-2015 to celebrate State's floriculture

Uttarkahand Governor Dr KK Paul said that the Basantotsav-2015 is being organised to develop Uttarakhand as a special centre of floriculture. “By displaying exotic flowers, we want to motivate flower producers to cultivate such flowers in greater measure”, he said. Sharing his vivid memory,  the Governor said that in Zero (Napatani valley) of Arunachal Pradesh, a person cultivates exotic Tulip by using his own resources and transports it to Tejpur Airport, which is around 250 kilometers away from his nursery, on way to   Kolkata and Holland, the places endowed with thriving markets for flowers.

Dr Paul suggested the horticulture department, which concludes its duty by hosting such annual exhibition, to promote floriculture in the State. “You also provide refrigerated vehicles to them so that they send their fresh flower consignments to the national and International markets”, he said. He added the exhibition would provide an opportunity to the flower producers to exchange ideas and technologies as well.

This year Rajbhawan has invited Indian postal department in this Basantotsav during which philately would figure  at the behest of the postal department. 

Chief Post Master General Uday Krishan said that they would exhibit around philately of govenor that would be around 2000 postal stamps. 

The Governor said that “I am 67 and I have been  collecting stamps since I was  seven. The postal department is going to exhibit around 2000 stamps but it should be around 10-15 times more.” 

Notably, the postal department would also display all his postal stamps dedicated to flower or herbs. During  Basantotsav, anyone can procure stamps with picture embossed on it for `360. Besides, Uttarakhand’s culture would be showcased through cultural events to be hosted by the State’s culture department. Secretary incharge Dr Nidhi Pandey said that uttarakand has earned status in world due to valley of flower.

The herb chosen for this year’s event is Shankhpushpi (Evolvulus Alsinoides), is a perennial medicinal herb of family convolvulaceae commonly found on rocky or sandy ground under dry climatic condition.In Ayurveda, Shankh Pushpi known as Medhya(brain) tonic. It has also cardio-protective properties.