Republic Day flower show at Lalbagh to depict life and works of Poornachandra Tejaswi

BENGALURU: The annual Lalbagh flower show, a part of Republic Day celebrations, will be held from January 15-26 next year. The theme will be based on the life and works of renowned environmentalist and writer Dr K P Poornachandra Tejaswi.

The show will feature Tejaswi’s literary characters and his love for nature, environment, agriculture, and wildlife, brought to life with flowers. Highlights include depictions of his works like ‘Ondanondu Odayavara Kavyaka’ and ‘Carvalho’, as well as his home and connections with poet-laureate Kuvempu.

The Horticulture Department has begun preparations a month in advance. The event is expected to draw around 10 lakh visitors, up from 8 lakh last year. Over 15 lakh flowers from various states and species will be on display.

Horticulture Department Joint Director, Jagadish told Public TV that the event will be a treat for literature buffs and nature lovers. The show will showcase Tejaswi’s contributions to environmental science and literature. “Lalbagh will host the 219th Republic Day flower show over 12 days. This year, the show will focus on the life and works of Poornachandra Tejaswi. His work ‘Carvalho’ was reprinted 80 times in 50 years. We had a meeting with the family, experts and litterateurs and taken their inputs. We will hold more meetings and conceptualise the show”, he said.

“Flowers will be brought from other parks in Bengaluru and also from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and even Assam. Last year, over 8 lakh people visited the show and we expect more people this time. We will also have programmes specially for women like ikebana, etc.”, he said.