The annual festival of flowers and lights, Vasantholsavam, currently underway at Thiruvananthapuram's historic Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, has achieved a remarkable milestone. Since its inauguration on December 24, the event has attracted a record-breaking footfall of over 1.5 lakh visitors, making it a major crowd-puller in the capital city.
A New Year's Eve Spectacle and Floral Grandeur
Organized by the Kerala Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Council, the festival witnessed its peak on New Year's Eve. The venue transformed into a vibrant and elegant gathering space for residents and tourists alike to welcome 2024. The event is scheduled to conclude on January 4.
The visual centerpiece of Vasantholsavam is an astounding display of more than 35,000 pots of flowering plants, sourced from various regions across the country. This breathtaking exhibition is curated by the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) in Palode.
Chrysanthemum Extravaganza and Contest Winners
A major highlight this year is the dedicated chrysanthemum festival, showcasing over 8,000 chrysanthemum flowers and plants. The floral diversity doesn't end there; visitors can also admire a wide array of dahlias, marigolds, petunias, zinnias, daisies, anthuriums, lilies, and tulips, alongside numerous locally cultivated blooms.
In the institutional category competitions held during the festival, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, clinched the overall championship title with a score of 648 points. The Museum and Zoo secured the first runner-up position with 497 points, while the Legislature Secretariat was declared the second runner-up with 182 points.
Lights, Festivity, and a Lasting Impression
Complementing the stunning floral arrangements is an elaborate lighting spectacle that significantly elevates the festive atmosphere at Kanakakunnu Palace. The seamless blend of natural floral beauty and artistic illumination has created a magical environment, contributing to the event's unprecedented popularity.
The record visitor numbers underscore the festival's success as a key cultural and tourism initiative for Thiruvananthapuram, offering a unique blend of horticultural excellence and celebratory spirit to kick off the new year.
