Spring kicks in with Garden TOURISM FESTIVAL
The Festival, organised by Delhi Tourism, strives to disseminate a strong message amongst the visitors about how gardening can contribute towards a better environment and health
With the winter withering away in Delhi, it is time to welcome the season of fresh flowers and green little buds and what better way than going for the 30th Garden Tourism Festival at the Garden of Five Senses. The three day event, which came to its conclusion on February 19 succeeded in attracting over thirty thousand visitors to the serene and calm venue. But not to worry, one can still go and smell the freshness it brings. People not only bought numerous varieties of plants but were also spell bounded by the beauty of Garden of Five Senses as they spent quality time with their friends and family in the lush green gardens. Mr Kuldeep Dham from one of the plant nursery said, “This time the footfall has significantly increased and we have got a boost in sale of our plants and have been complemented by visitors for our hard work. It feels great to be a part of the mega event”.
With its fresh air, exquisite landscaping, and contemporary installations, the garden stands unique and true to its name. Various nurseries showcasing plants for theme gardens, tray gardens and indoor areas had put up exclusive stalls. Different theme gardens at the venue captivated large number of nature lovers. Floral animals, Potted plants, Foliage, Medicinal and Herbal plants, Hanging baskets, Dahlia, Roses, Cacti, Bonsai, Bougainvillea, cut flowers were put on display. Also, various flowers, plants, organic items, books, medicinal plants, gardening accessories, etc. were available for sale.
One of the major highlights of the event was 3D street art that provided 3-Dimensional impression on 2-Dimensional surface. Also, various music bands and cultural performances by various academies of Govt of Delhi were conducted during the event in order to spell bound visitors with heart throbbing performances.
Competitions were held in 30 different categories in which NDMC, Manav Rachna University, CPWD, SDMC, Aditya Birla Group and Hansraj College were rewarded for their best display under various categories of the competition.
Garden Tourism Festival commenced on February 17 and was inaugurated by Kapil Mishra, Minister for Tourism, Delhi. The theme for 30th edition of Garden Tourism Festival was kept as “Skills in Gardening” and Delhi Tourism strived to disseminate a strong message amongst the visitors about how gardening can contribute in bettering both Health and Environment. Also, it strived to impart information regarding different medicinal plant in the premise and the medicinal qualities associated with them.
Main idea behind small events at Garden Tourism Festival has been to promote cultural integrity among one and all. Lectures and Nukad-nataks on Environment and Health, Magic shows, free ayurvedic check-ups, musical band performances and cultural performances by various academies like Maithali-bhojpuri academy, Urdu academy, Punjabi academy, Rajasthani and Haryanvi folk performances and Sham-e-sufi by Oshin Bhatia; along with a scintillating musical performance by Lakhwinder Wadali, a Punjabi Singer who hails from the family of eminent musicians (Wadali brothers) and Sharmila Pandey, a Bhojpuri singer enthralled the audience on all three days. A soft adventure park at the venue offered lots of activities to the visitors which proved to be a cherry on the cake.