PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The much awaited annual event ‘Vasantotsav’ will be organised at Lok Bhawan (Raj Bhawan) from February 27 to March 1 this year.
A decision in this regard was taken in a meeting chaired by the governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh at Lok Bhawan on Monday. In the meeting, the governor said that the Vasantotsav should be organized with enthusiasm, excitement and maximum public participation should be ensured. He said that this event should not be limited to the local level but efforts should be made to connect it with other States as well.
The governor directed that during the Festival, food courts based on traditional millet themes be set up in collaboration with IHM, GMVN and women’s self-help groups of the State.
He also announced that, starting this year, progressive farmers, women and start-ups of youngsters will be honored with the “Governor’s Special Award” during the festival. The award will be given to individuals and organizations achieving outstanding work in these three categories in the field of flower production.
He said that floriculture is being encouraged in Uttarakhand through the Vasantotsav. Emphasizing the need to link the flower show with commercial activities, he said that the flowers produced in the State should be marketed not only within the state but also nationwide. The Governor said that Uttarakhand is especially blessed with products such as honey, aroma and millet and therefore, this year’s Vasantotsav should place special focus on these areas.
The governor was informed that the flower show this year will feature competitions in 15 different categories, with 165 prizes awarded. The officials informed that for the first time this year, National Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) Uttarkashi will showcase a live demonstration. The festival will have competitions like cut flowers, potted plant arrangement, loose flower arrangement, hanging pots, as well as ‘on the spot photography’.
Director general Home Guards PVK Prasad, secretary to the governor Ravinath Raman and others attended the meeting.
