Vasantotsav-2026 inaugurated at Lok Bhawan highlighting floral healing & horticultural growth

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh on Friday inaugurated the three-day Vasantotsav 2026 at Lok Bhawan amid cultural performances and a floral exhibition. Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi, Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj and others were present on the occasion.

The governor released a special postal cover on Bhojpatra on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, he said that horticulture and floriculture can boost Uttarakhand’s economy by generating income and employment. Referring to the ‘Aroma Revolution’, he highlighted the State’s potential in aromatic crops and products and described the Bhojpatra cover as a reminder of India’s knowledge tradition. 

This year’s theme, “Floral Healing: Nature’s Path to Well Being,” focused on the therapeutic value of flowers and greenery. The Horticulture department showcased concepts of floral healing and displayed food items prepared from fresh Himalayan flowers. Theme-based stalls highlighted the role of nature in improving mental and physical health. 

Cultural performances added to the event’s appeal. A rhythmic Yoga presentation by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities and Niramaya Yoga Research Foundation (Haridwar) drew attention, while children from the Wushu Association, Uttarakhand, demonstrated martial arts skills. The governor also interacted with students participating in a painting competition and visited various stalls.

 Participation remained strong, with 2,314 entries across 15 categories and 55 sub-categories, including cut flowers (traditional and non-traditional), painting, honey, vegetable production and on-spot photography. Other segments featured bonsai, cactus and succulents, terrarium, hydroponics, hanging pots and rangoli. A total of 343 stalls have been set up, including 18 by various departments. Exhibits are displaying horticultural machinery, biofertilisers, organic pest control products and initiatives by NGOs and self-help groups.

Entrepreneurs are also using the platform to showcase innovation. Bhumika Chadda, owner of Plant Ya Sachi nursery in Bhimtal is displaying rare and exotic potted plants. Neha Anek is displaying preserved flower pendants and floral jewellery, while another participant, Shafali, is highlighting the presence of traditional Garhwali, Kumaoni and Nepali products at the event.