Mangaluru: Kadri Park has turned into a vibrant destination for plant lovers, gardening enthusiasts and entrepreneurs with the three-day Siri Sasyotsava 2026, showcasing a wide variety of flowering plants, medicinal herbs, bonsai, fresh produce, homemade products and agricultural equipment.
Organised from October 30 to November 1, the festival brings together horticulture enthusiasts, local growers, self-employed individuals and businesses involved in gardening and agriculture. The event aims to promote horticulture, encourage sustainable gardening practices and provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to display and sell their products.
The exhibition features a diverse collection of ornamental plants, medicinal varieties, rare plants, fruit-bearing saplings, vegetable seedlings and gardening products. Food stalls and outlets selling homemade products have also added to the attraction, making the festival a destination for families and visitors.
Wide range of plants and gardening products on display
One of the major attractions of Siri Sasyotsava is the extensive collection of plants displayed across the exhibition area. Visitors can explore flowering plants, medicinal herbs, bonsai collections and different varieties of fruit and vegetable plants.
The exhibition also provides an opportunity for people to learn about plant cultivation and explore options for home gardens, terrace gardens and landscaping.
A range of gardening materials, organic products and agricultural equipment is available at the stalls. Visitors can interact with sellers and learn about suitable plants, cultivation methods and gardening requirements.
Local entrepreneurs showcase homemade products
Beyond plants and gardening supplies, the festival has emerged as a platform for small businesses and individuals to promote locally made products.
Pavan Kulkarni, an IT professional from Agadi village in Haveri district, has brought products made using cow dung under the brand name Sri Gurudev Aroma Industries. His family, which has around 15 cows, prepares cow-dung incense cups, cones and natural incense sticks. Although employed in Bengaluru, Kulkarni uses his holidays to participate in exhibitions and market his products.
Manjula from Padavinangady has attracted visitors with different varieties of lotus and water lily plants. She said she grows around 90 varieties of water lilies at home and finds spending time with plants relaxing. Customers also visit her residence to purchase the plants.
Deeksha from Shaktinagar is displaying homemade organic juices, including ginger lemon, punarpuli, amla, jeera masala and jamun-amla varieties. Visitors have the opportunity to sample the drinks before purchasing them.
Nethra from Holalkere in Chitradurga district has brought a collection of women’s garments. Her family has been involved in the clothing business for four generations.
Food stalls and regional specialities attract visitors
Food products and traditional delicacies from different parts of Karnataka are another attraction at the festival. Stalls offer honey, vegetable seeds, household products, jewellery and a variety of locally prepared food items.
Kumar and Yatheesh from Mangaluru have introduced their recently started non-vegetarian pickle business at the exhibition. They are selling prawn pickle, garlic dry and Schezwan chicken pickle.
The products have attracted interest among visitors, particularly because non-vegetarian pickles are not commonly available for sale in the region.
The presence of different food businesses and homemade product stalls highlights the festival’s role in supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and providing them with direct access to customers.
Horticulture officials inaugurate the festival
The festival was inaugurated by I.K. Doddani, Joint Director of the Department of Horticulture. Deputy Director K. Praveen, officer Pradeep D’Souza and representatives of Raitha Koota Pratishthana were present at the inaugural programme.
Organised by the Siri Horticultural Association, an affiliated body of the Department of Horticulture, Siri Sasyotsava provides an opportunity to bring growers, gardening enthusiasts and entrepreneurs together under one roof.
A platform for greenery and local enterprise
Siri Sasyotsava 2026 demonstrates how horticultural exhibitions can go beyond displaying plants by creating opportunities for local businesses and individuals to promote their products.
From miniature orange trees and colourful flowering plants to homemade juices, natural incense products and regional delicacies, the festival offers visitors a wide range of experiences.
By bringing together plant growers, food producers, artisans and small entrepreneurs, the event encourages interest in gardening while supporting local livelihoods. Kadri Park’s transformation into a lively exhibition space also highlights the growing enthusiasm for terrace gardening, kitchen gardens and locally produced goods in Mangaluru.