TN's Ooty flower festival begins today with grand floral displays, heritage themes
Coimbatore, May 18
The much-awaited annual Flower Festival in Ooty, one of Tamil Nadu's most celebrated summer attractions, began on Monday with spectacular floral displays, heritage-themed installations and elaborate decorations expected to draw thousands of tourists over the next 11 days.
The iconic event, hosted at the Government Botanical Garden in the Nilgiris district, forms the centrepiece of Ooty's summer celebrations and attracts visitors from across India and abroad.
The picturesque hill district of Nilgiris is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals as visitors flock to enjoy its pleasant weather, lush forests and scenic destinations.
To boost tourism during the summer season, the district traditionally hosts a summer festival every May. However, due to this year's election schedule, only select events are being conducted as part of the celebrations, including the Rose Show and Flower Show in Ooty and the Fruit Show in Coonoor.
The Rose Show has been underway at the Government Rose Garden in Ooty since May 14, featuring elaborate decorations created using nearly two lakh roses. A bird-shaped floral installation has emerged as a major attraction among visitors.
The historic 128th Flower Show at the Government Botanical Garden will continue until May 28 and is being inaugurated by Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya. This year's exhibition features several new varieties of flowering plants and seeds sourced from different countries. Species including Geranium, Cyclopin, Balsam, ornamental Calyx, Oriental Lily, Pansy, Marigold, Zinnia and Telmunium have been cultivated specifically for the event.
Nearly one million flower saplings have been planted across different sections of the Botanical Garden. More than 50,000 flower pots displaying blooms of different colours have been arranged across the venue.
To celebrate Tamil heritage, the entrance facade of Chennai Central Railway Station has been recreated using more than one lakh carnations and other flowers.
The exhibition also includes 26 floral installations depicting iconic landmarks and cultural symbols such as the Ooty Mountain Railway engine, Mamallapuram temple and the Thiruvarur temple chariot.
Decorative arrangements representing the five ancient Tamil landscapes have also been created using over seven lakh flowers. Authorities have declared a local holiday in Nilgiris district and deployed 200 police personnel, while special transport services have been arranged for visitors.
— IANS
Reader Comments
1 million saplings? That's incredible! I visited last year and was amazed by the variety. This year's theme with the ancient Tamil landscapes sounds so educational. Kudos to the Nilgiris administration for managing such a grand event despite the election schedule.
It's good for tourism, but I hope the authorities are also mindful of the environmental impact. Using lakhs of flowers taken from their natural habitat - where do they all go after the festival? Composting plans should be transparent. Still, the craftsmanship is top-notch. 🏵️
The Ooty Mountain Railway engine installation must be a sight to behold! This event really puts the Nilgiris on the global map. I'm planning to take my family next weekend - the 11-day window is generous. Hope the transport arrangements are smooth with the special services. 🚂
So proud of our Tamil heritage being showcased like this! The Thiruvarur temple chariot and Mamallapuram temple installations must be breathtaking. But why only 200 police personnel for such a huge event? Hope security is adequate for the crowds expected. 🌺
As a tourist from the US, this is exactly why I chose to visit India in May. The flower festival is a cultural gem! The Geraniums and Oriental Lilies are stunning. Would recommend booking accommodation in advance though - everything gets packed quickly around this time. 🙂
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