Floral extravaganza set to bloom
Embracing vibrant hues and fragrant smells, the annual chrysanthemum show is set to enchant visitors when it commences in of Lahore’s Jilani Park on Monday.
According to a spokesperson, the two-week-long event organised by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will showcase over 50 colourful varieties of chrysanthemums, including some exotic and rare specimens. The highlight of the event lies in the creative utilisation of flowers to fashion topiaries resembling various animals, such as peacocks and giraffes.
Heralded as the “Festival of Happiness” in Japan, this elaborate exhibition traces its roots back to 910 AD, ancient times when odd numbers were considered symbols of good fortune.
Over the weekend, as the final touches were added to the event setup, Jilani Park experienced an influx of visitors eager to explore the captivating display of rare blooms, each distinguished by size, colour and form, the spokesperson added.
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The showcased blooms range from delicate, threadlike flowers resembling the tentacles of coral, to colossal globes adorned with feather-like petals. The spokesperson highlighted that the PHA has adorned Jilani Park with around 35,000 flowers, including marigolds. The spokesperson highlighted that this exhibition represents the only time of year when such a diverse variety of chrysanthemums is exhibited in one location.
To further enhance the experience, the PHA has established a shop at Jilani Park, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase plants at government-fixed rates.
DG Tahir Wattoo expressed that this annual exhibition has evolved into a flagship event for PHA, playing a pivotal role in reviving a golden tradition.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 4th, 2023.