Hues of yellow shine at marigold show
Hues of yellow stood in contrast with the grey sky on a chilly Friday afternoon at the opening day of the annual Marigold and Plant Festival held on the sprawling lush green lawns of the historic Frere Hall.
Offering free entry to one and all, the three-day flower exhibition has been organised by the Department of Parks and Horticulture of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). The event is organised keeping the tradition of flower exhibition alive in Karachi.
The event, inaugurated by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori along with Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, features more than 60,000 unique and attractive flowers including Gainda and Jaffery, which remained at the centre of public attention on the first day.
Talking to the media, Governor Kamran Tessori said he wants to see the entire province blooming with flowers. Colourful flowers will be planted from Sharae Faisal to Metropole Intersection. “We want the city of lights to shine with flowers.” Tessori requested the citizens to visit the festival with their families.
To a question, the governor said that People’s Party and Jamaat-e-Islami may compete for the mayor seat each and he would support whoever comes next. He said that the incident of poisonous gas at a factory in Kemari is regrettable. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and said that such incidents should not happen.
Provincial Municipal Minister Nasir Shah called flowers a beautiful gift of nature and emphasised the importance of the maintenance of flowers and tress.
He said flowers, plants and trees play a central role in making the environment of the city pleasant. The flower exhibition attracted a large number of people on its first day. Citizens took keen interest in the display of winter flowers and expressed hope that such exhibitions are organised more frequently.
Entry to the Marigold Festival is free for all citizens. The festival will continue till Sunday.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2023.