Mangaluru: In connection with Republic Day celebrations, a four-day fruit and flower show has been organised at Kadri Park in the city from January 23 to 26 under the joint auspices of the Department of Horticulture, District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Dakshina Kannada, the Kadri Park Development Committee, and SIRI Horticulture Association, Mangaluru. The event is expected to draw large crowds, offering a vibrant blend of colour, creativity and agricultural knowledge.
Officials of the Department of Horticulture said the exhibition is being organised with the objective of promoting horticulture, encouraging farmers and gardening enthusiasts, and creating public awareness about the importance of plants, flowers and sustainable agricultural practices.
Floral artistry to be main attraction
According to the Joint Director of the Department of Horticulture, the main attraction of the exhibition will be a wide range of artistic creations made entirely from flowers. These floral installations are expected to showcase creativity and craftsmanship, transforming Kadri Park into a visual spectacle.
Around 15,000 plants belonging to nearly 30 varieties of flowers have already been grown in pots at Kadri Park specifically for the exhibition. The flower varieties include salvia, chrysanthemum, globe amaranth, zinnia, dianthus, aster, vinca rosea, cockscomb, dahlia, petunia, torenia and several others. These plants will be artistically arranged across the park to create thematic displays and decorative patterns.
The organisers said special care has been taken to ensure that the displays appeal to visitors of all age groups, including children, gardening enthusiasts and professionals from the horticulture sector.
Demonstrations and educational exhibits
A key highlight of the fruit and flower show will be a live demonstration of a kitchen vegetable garden. This demonstration aims to encourage households, especially those living in urban areas, to grow vegetables in limited spaces using simple and sustainable methods.
Officials said the demonstration will focus on techniques such as container gardening, terrace gardening and the use of organic inputs. Experts will be available on-site to guide visitors and answer queries related to home gardening and plant care.
Fruit and vegetable carvings on display
Adding to the visual appeal of the exhibition, artistic carvings made from fruits and vegetables will be displayed at Kadri Park. These carvings will highlight the importance of Dakshina Kannada district and feature portraits of eminent personalities from various fields.
The organisers said these exhibits are intended not only to attract visitors but also to showcase the versatility and value of horticultural produce beyond conventional usage. Such displays, they noted, also help in generating interest among young visitors and students.
Bonsai, Ikebana and ornamental plants
The exhibition will also feature displays of ornamental plants, bonsai plants and Ikebana flower arrangements. These sections are expected to attract plant lovers and those interested in decorative gardening and traditional floral art forms.
Members of the public will be given an opportunity to display bonsai plants, anthurium plants and other attractive plants grown by them. This initiative is aimed at encouraging community participation and recognising individual efforts in gardening and plant conservation.
Honey, organic products and stalls
Various honey cooperative societies and farmer producer organisations will participate in the show by displaying and selling different varieties of honey and value-added products. Visitors will also be provided with information on the medicinal properties and health benefits of honey.
The exhibition will provide a platform for nursery owners, seed sellers, fertiliser dealers, horticulture-related entrepreneurs, and sellers of agricultural machinery and equipment to set up stalls. Officials said priority will be given to vendors selling organic products, in line with the growing emphasis on organic farming and eco-friendly practices.
Farmers encouraged to participate
There will be special exhibitions of unique varieties of fruits, vegetables, garden crops and spice crops grown by farmers from across the district. Horticultural handicrafts will also be showcased during the event.
Farmers wishing to exhibit their produce have been requested to bring their exhibits to Kadri Park on January 22 at 10.30 am. Officials said this will allow sufficient time for arrangement and evaluation before the exhibition opens to the public.
Entry fee and access
The entry fee for the fruit and flower show has been fixed at ₹30 for adults and ₹20 for children. Students arriving in uniform along with their school teachers will be granted free entry, officials said.
The organisers expect the event to attract thousands of visitors over the four days, especially families, students and tourists, as it coincides with the Republic Day celebrations.
Conclusion
The fruit and flower show at Kadri Park promises to be a major attraction in Mangaluru’s Republic Day calendar, combining aesthetic beauty with education and community participation. With its wide range of floral displays, horticultural exhibits and interactive demonstrations, the event is expected to inspire interest in gardening, farming and sustainable living among the public.