With an objective to create awareness about the environment and making Delhi a clean and green city, a three-day ‘Garden Tourism Festival’ was organised by Delhi Tourism in association with Government of Delhi at Garden of Five Senses on February 16, 2018. This year, the city celebrated its 31st Garden Tourism Festival that was inaugurated by Manish Sisodia, deputy chief minister, minister of tourism, Govt of Delhi.
Based on the theme ‘Grow Garden: Save Delhi’, the three-day extravaganza focused upon participants displaying their creativity and awareness with respect to gardening. It also marked the importance of gardening and its role in our lives with respect to various health and environmental benefits. Sisodia said, “Over these years this theme based event has become a valuable medium to promote a greener city. With the help from professionals at the festival, one can learn how to transform small spaces into beautiful gardens.” He further added, “Garden of Five Senses is the jewel of Delhi and apart from being a beautiful park, the space is designed to stimulate one’s sensory nerves. I request everyone to visit this park and experience the unique initiative that has been brought forward by the government.”
The 22 acres of the venue was teeming with a variety of terrariums, floral animals, potted plants, foliage, medicinal herbal plants, hanging baskets along with many exotic floral plants. Garden Bazaar was one of the main highlights where different varieties of flowers and plants and gardening accessories were available for purchase. Apart from the floral exhibition, various cultural events and activities like magic show, live performances, lectures, food stalls and spot painting competition remained a major attraction for the visitors.
Different competitions were organised in 30 categories such as potted plants, dahlia, hanging baskets, foliage plants, cactus and succulents, aromatic/ herbal and medicinal plants, bonsai plants of different specifications, bougainvillea, floral animal, tray garden, theme garden, annual cut flowers in earthen vases, vegetables flower decoration, flower arrangement and roses. Horticulture departments of NDMC, EDMC, DJB, DDA, SDMC, Northern Railways, Manav Racha University and many others were the major participants and their exhibits were evaluated by the judges from respective horticulture areas.
Over the past three decades, this festival has encompassed leading nurseries, horticulture and floriculture societies, and suppliers of horticulture equipment, seeds, and fertilisers.
The three-day fest witnessed events like Zumba workshops, bagpiper band, street play, storytelling, mixed tape band, gazal events and the fest concluded with prize distributions.