Chandigarh's Rose Festival Inaugurated with Grand Ceremony and Environmental Commitment
The Rose Festival, a signature cultural event of Chandigarh, commenced with great fanfare at the Sector 16 Rose Garden on Friday. This three-day extravaganza was officially inaugurated by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, marking the start of a celebration filled with competitions and musical performances.
Governor Kataria Praises Festival Organization and Symbolism of Roses
Addressing the assembled crowd, Governor Kataria commended the dedicated efforts of officers and Municipal Corporation employees in orchestrating the festival on such a magnificent scale. He eloquently noted that while every flower possesses its unique allure, the rose distinctly stands out as the "Queen of flowers", embodying love, compassion, and beauty in both literature and everyday life.
Describing the Rose Garden as a serene haven where a simple stroll feels akin to reading a captivating story, Kataria emphasized that the festival serves as a heartfelt tribute to the splendor of roses and the natural world. He fondly recalled the contributions of M S Randhawa, the visionary behind the Rose Festival, and Zakir Husain, the namesake of the garden, highlighting their shared passion for horticulture.
Substantial Prize Fund and Sustainability Initiatives Announced
In recognition of the enthusiasm displayed by citizens and emerging artists, Governor Kataria announced a special prize fund of Rs 10 lakh for winners across various competitions. He also highlighted that, for the second consecutive year, the festival is operating on a "zero budget" and "zero waste" model, underscoring Chandigarh's steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and active public participation.
Mayor Joshi Details Inclusivity and New Festival Features
Mayor Saurabh Joshi elaborated on the festival's broad appeal, noting that it offers engaging activities for all age groups. Popular competitions include Rose Prince and Princess, Mr and Miss Rose, and Rose King and Queen tailored for senior citizens. He expressed appreciation for the vibrant citizen turnout and the relentless efforts of MC officers in transforming the event into a visual spectacle.
The mayor further outlined new additions to this year's festival, such as a dedicated food court for visitors, enhanced sanitation arrangements, and display stalls showcasing the talents of beneficiaries under the DAY(S) component and various self-help groups.
Commissioner Kumar Highlights Rose Garden's Botanical Richness
MC Commissioner Amit Kumar provided insights into the botanical wealth of the Rose Garden, which currently hosts over 800 varieties of roses in a stunning array of colors. These are complemented by breathtaking floral displays, innovative designs, and exotic exhibits, enhancing the festival's aesthetic appeal.
Political Dynamics at the Inaugural Event
A notable political rift was observed during the inaugural ceremony, with only a few BJP councillors in attendance. In contrast, several elected municipal councillors from the Congress, along with the party president, participated in the opening day festivities. From the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), councillor and leader of opposition Hardeep Singh was the sole representative present.
