Amid the natural splendour of the gardens and folk music, Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul inaugurated the two-day long ‘Basantotsav-2016’ in the presence of State Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat and MlA Ganesh Joshi at Raj Bhawan on Saturday.
Paul released the special first day cover (prepared by the department of posts) which features Amesh (Seabuck thorn), a plant which grows in the hills of Uttarakhand naturally and is rich in medicinal qualities. Efforts will be made to explore its commercial cultivation.
He also went around the entire exhibition (festival) and saw the paintings, which were being made by the more than 700 school children including physically, mentally and underprivileged as part of Painting competition. The Governor gave jute bags provided by the ONGC to these children, giving the message of environment conservation. Visitors can enjoy this Basantotsav between 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday as well
In his address Paul said that this festival was not just an exhibition of flowers but had now become a folk festival where people like to come with their families, friends and enjoy being amid nature , music, flowers, art and entertainment. He also spoke about the Nakshatra vatika that had been developed at the Raj Bhawan.
Floriculture can become an important source of income for farmers in Uttarakhand and is a profitable alternative to traditional farming. The increasing land that was now coming under floriculture in the State was an encouraging sign.
Tulips had been grown at Raj Bhawan as an experiment which had proved successful. This can pave the way to cultivating tulips commercially in the State. There was great demand for tulips in the international market. He appreciated the efforts made by Deepak Purohit of the horticulture department in the tulip experiment. A proper research is required for developing flowers and increasing its shelf life. A cold chain was needed for better marketing of flowers.
Schemes of floriculture needed to be reached to remote hill areas to help check migration. Uttarakhand should be developed as “Pushp Bhumi” and “Pushp Pradesh” and for achieving this, we should take advantage of the conducive environment and climate
State Horticulture Minister Harak Singh Rawat apprised the gathering that many schemes were being made available in the sphere of horticulture and floriculture and Uttarakhand can become an economically strong state on these basis. It seems that the valley of flowers had come down to embellish the Raj Bhawan.
The Postal Department has put up a philately exhibition at the event, like last year. The Governor inaugurated it. Most of the stamps featured flowers and plants. The Governor’s personal stamp collection (2200 stamps) was a special attraction at the exhibition. Yoga display and Martial arts display by ITBP personnel (organised by tourism department) was also appreciated by the Governor at the event.
More than 835 entries in various competitive categories were entered this year. These include entries by individuals, flower growers and Government institutions. Zerbera, carnations, gladiola, lilies and various cut flowers, potted plants, dry flower arrangements, cati and bonsai added great colour and fragrance to the festival. Equipment, seeds and other items meant for horticulture and floriculture were available at the Basantotsav at various stalls. Organic products, jute and bamboo items were also an added attraction. On the spot photography competition proved popular with youngsters.
An art gallery has been created at the fest to encourage and honour the state’s art and culture. Folk artists get the opportunity to express their art. Floral rangoli is another special event. Present at the inauguration were additional chief secretary Ranbir Singh, OSD and secretary to Governor Arun Dhaundiyal, legal advisor Vivek Sharma, Post master general Uday Krishna, additional secretary (Horticulture), director, horticulture, and several senior officials. The inaugural session was conducted by Poonam Sobti, finance controller at Raj Bhawan.
On March 6 , the fest will be open from 10 am to 6 pm. for the public. At 5 pm prize distribution will be held the which will be followed by a cultural programme by folk artistes