Bengaluru: The 220th edition of the iconic Lalbagh Flower Show opened on Wednesday with a grand floral tribute to the 1,000-year legacy of the Ganga dynasty. The 12-day exhibition, which will run from August 6 to August 17, showcases Karnataka’s rich history through elaborate floral installations, rare flower varieties and enhanced visitor attractions.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar inaugurated the exhibition at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, marking the first time he has opened the prestigious flower show since assuming office as Chief Minister.
Chief Minister inaugurates the exhibition
After arriving at Lalbagh, D K Shivakumar paid floral tributes to the statue of a Ganga king before officially inaugurating the flower show. He later toured the exhibition and viewed the various floral installations depicting the heritage of the Ganga Empire.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the flower show is much more than a horticultural exhibition and serves as a tribute to the history, culture and achievements of one of Karnataka’s most influential dynasties.
He urged farmers, students, youngsters and the general public to visit the exhibition to understand the contributions of the Ganga rulers, noting that their emphasis on culture and governance continues to influence Karnataka’s heritage.
Floral tribute to the Ganga Empire
The central attraction of this year’s exhibition is a series of elaborate floral recreations highlighting the architectural and cultural legacy of the Ganga dynasty.
Among the major attractions are floral replicas of the Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola and the historic temples of Talakad, both recreated using thousands of fresh flowers.
The displays combine history and horticulture, offering visitors a colourful representation of Karnataka’s rich cultural past.
Officials said the exhibition has been designed to educate visitors while showcasing the artistic possibilities of floral decoration.
Over 26 lakh flowers on display
The exhibition has been organised at an estimated cost of Rs 2.75 crore.
According to the Horticulture Department, more than 26 lakh flowers have been used to create floral structures, sculptures and decorative installations across the venue.
Visitors can also view over 130 rare varieties of flowers sourced from different parts of India as well as several countries abroad.
Joint Director Jagadish said this year’s exhibition has been organised on a much larger scale, giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate both exotic flower species and Karnataka’s historical legacy in a single venue.
Plans for more parks in Bengaluru
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Shivakumar described Lalbagh as one of Bengaluru’s most significant heritage landmarks.
He said the city, founded by Kempegowda, requires more large green spaces to meet the needs of its growing population.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government is planning to develop three new parks similar to Lalbagh in different parts of Bengaluru.
He said discussions have already been held with the Forest Department to identify suitable land for the proposed parks.
Shivakumar also announced that the state government would launch a new initiative from August 15 aimed at strengthening the lives and livelihoods of farmers across Karnataka.
Improved facilities for visitors
The Horticulture Department has introduced several new facilities to improve the visitor experience during the exhibition.
An artificial waterfall has been created near the Lalbagh Lake, while a specially designed selfie point has been set up to attract visitors.
For the first time, online ticket booking has been introduced to make entry more convenient.
Additional parking arrangements have also been made at Shantinagar, Basavanagudi and surrounding areas to accommodate the expected increase in visitors.
Government school students wearing their school uniforms will be allowed free entry to the flower show.
Security arrangements strengthened
Authorities have implemented extensive security measures to ensure the safety of visitors throughout the 12-day exhibition.
A total of 136 CCTV cameras have been installed across the venue for surveillance, while police personnel have been deployed at key locations to manage crowds and maintain security.
Officials expect the flower show to attract lakhs of visitors during its run.
Celebration of Bengaluru’s heritage
Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who attended the inauguration, said Lalbagh has hosted two flower shows every year and recalled visiting the exhibitions for more than six decades.
He noted that every edition features a unique theme and said this year’s celebration of the Ganga dynasty stands out for its impressive floral recreations of historic temples and monuments.
With its combination of horticultural excellence, historical storytelling and improved visitor amenities, the 220th Lalbagh Flower Show is expected to be one of Bengaluru’s biggest attractions during the Independence Day season, drawing nature lovers, history enthusiasts and tourists from across the country.