Amidst the super-abundance of flowers of myriad varieties in full bloom, seen as the quintessence of spring, the season of exuberance and colour, Governor Dr KK Paul inaugurated the two-day Vasantotsav at Raj Bhawan premises on Saturday while exhorting the people to make Uttrakhand as a floriculture State, taking advantage of the congenial climate.
“Uttarakhand being known as a State of flowers, it is possible for the State to grow into a true floriculture State,” he said. Following the inauguration, he released the special postal cover brought out by the postal department on Vana Tulasi, which, endowed with medicinal and religious import, grows in abundance at altitude from 750 to 3,000 metres in Uttarakhand. later, he went around the exhibition that showcases motley variety of flowers. To add more colour to the festival, the State culture department hosted a cultural evening at the auditorium where the folk culture of the State was showcased.
He also inaugurated the philately, which the postal department has been arranging since 2015. The Governor’s own collection of stamps numbering around 1,800 drew a large number of the people, visiting the premises on the occasion. What is more, a philately competition for the school students who collect stamps is being organised at the behest of the Governor for the first time during the event.
Dr Paul in his address stressed that the event is not just meant to celebrate flowers but was an occasion to enjoy a folk festival being organised at the same time. Besides, varieties of the State-specific food being on display here, the Vasantotsav is transcending its traditional boundaries to encompass all avenues of enjoyment, he said.
He specially mentioned floriculture, dwelling on its potential to be used as a commercial proposition for the small farmers in Uttarakhand.
Making comparison with the last year, he said that the increased production of flowers had given rise to hope that floriculture could flourish here. “The expanding area that has come under floriculture augurs well for the State,” he said.
He also mentioned the tulips being grown in Raj Bhawan, saying that the exotic flower could be grown commercially across the State too.
The painting competition saw 1,069 students this year, the last year’s figure being 700. Divyaang children also participated in the competition. For various competitions in the fest, 1,581 entries have been registered for categories ranging from commercial flower growers, flower lovers and institutions.
While the ITBP jawans presented a judo karate display boys and girls from Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya presented a Yoga display.
Besides, a Khukri dance was presented by jawans of Gurkha Regiment.
127 stalls of seeds and equipments related to agriculture, horticulture and floriculture drew visitors in large number. Organic products and jute / bamboo items are also available. ITBP personnel displaying the equipment they use to save themselves during the disaster got interested visitors too.
A photo and art gallery added to the stature of the event. Floral Rangoli for women and folk dance/ music were other great attractions. Present at the inauguration were Chief Minister Harish Rawat, legal advisor to the Governor Vivek Bharti Sharma, finance controller K C Pandey , chief post master general Uday Krishna ,secretary Horticulture R Meenakshi Sundaram, director (Horticulture) VS Negi and several senior officials.