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The Annual Chrysanthemum Show in Chandigarh kicked off at the Terraced Garden in Sector 33 on Friday. The three-day event was inaugurated by Mayor Kuldeep Kumar in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, area councillor Anju Katyal, and other notable residents. This year, the show features 272 varieties of chrysanthemums, showcasing the hard work of the city's horticulture department.

Zero-budget festival organized

Mayor Kuldeep Kumar highlighted that the festival was organized with zero budget. The Municipal Corporation (MC) managed to recover almost all expenses incurred, which amounted to ₹3.5 lakh, by auctioning the food court for ₹3.35 lakh. The event has also been planned as a “zero waste festival,” using only reusable or recyclable materials. As a result, no waste was generated during the event, setting an example for sustainable practices.

The chrysanthemum varieties displayed at the event were grown and nurtured at the MC’s nursery. Gardeners created stunning sculptures, including animals like camels, peacocks, cows, giraffes, and lions, all made using flowers. These artistic displays have contributed to Chandigarh’s reputation for excellence in horticulture, garnering international recognition for the city.

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Stalls and awareness campaigns

The Municipal Corporation also set up various stalls showcasing its projects and initiatives, as well as products from self-help groups registered under the DAY-NULM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission). Visitors could explore the Swachh Bharat Mission stall, which promoted waste segregation into four types at the source. Other demonstrations included composting horticulture waste, home composting methods, and recycling construction and demolition waste materials.

One of the highlights was the “Naya Sa” initiative, where old clothes were cleaned, ironed, and sold at nominal prices. This effort encouraged the reuse of materials and supported sustainability. Another unique project showcased was “Arpan,” run by a self-help group aided by the MC. This initiative transforms floral waste into items like sticks and other useful products, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

The Chrysanthemum Show has become an annual celebration of nature, creativity, and community effort. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about sustainable practices while also displaying the artistic talents of the city's gardeners. With its colorful displays and innovative ideas, the event continues to inspire residents and visitors alike.