The much-awaited 53rd Rose Pageant kicked off at Zakir Hussain Rose Backyard, Sector 16, amid pomp and present on Friday after formally inauguration by UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, together with mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and others, throughout the inauguration ceremony of 53rd Rose Pageant at Zakir Hussain Rose Backyard in Sector 16, Chandigarh, on Friday. (Ravi Kumar/HT)
Metropolis mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, principal secretary VP Singh, municipal commissioner Amit Kumar, senior deputy mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty, deputy mayor Taruna Mehta and space councillor Saurabh Joshi had been current throughout the inaugural ceremony.
Whereas addressing the gathering, Kataria stated, “What makes Chandigarh Rose Festival unique and special is the high level of local public participation. The Rose Garden holds historic significance—it is Asia’s largest, spread across 40 acres. Chandigarh became a Union Territory in 1966, and the very next year, in 1967, work on this garden began. The Rose Festival is an event people eagerly await each year, so its date should be fixed on a calendar year in advance. People should know across India that on these specific dates every year, they can plan a trip to Chandigarh.”
The mayor stated, “It is a matter of great satisfaction to see the tremendous interest and enthusiasm has been shown by the different sections of society through their active participation in the festival. With the concern of people towards conserving nature and natural resources increasing year after year, it is sure that the coming years will see more colourful flower shows in the city and greater participation, and innovation in displaying the exhibits.”
MC commissioner Amit Kumar stated, “To make the festival live, various cultural activities have been arranged during the three-day event. At least 829 varieties of roses in the garden and different hues decorating the landscape, breathtaking floral displays, innovative new designs and exotic exhibits are the high points of this flower show. This time, MC has arranged this festival as a ‘Zero Waste’ event.”
The pageant witnessed array of occasions, together with dance performances on Day 1. Brass and pipe band present, folks dance competitors, bhangra by Chandigarh Nirol Savachar Academy and Punjabi musical night that includes folks singer Sukhi Brar and group entertained audiences.
On Saturday, the occasions embody Rose Prince and Princess competitors, kite flying present, images competitors, gatka efficiency, Rose King and Queen (senior citizen) contest, rose quiz competitors, Mr Rose and Miss Rose competitors, Sufi music by Balbir & group and a efficiency by famous artist group Lopoke Brothers.
The concluding day will see occasions like efficiency by Bengali artistes, on-the-spot portray competitors, antakshari competitors, closing ceremony and prize distribution, geet and ghazal by Atul Dubey and group, and lastly Kavi Sammelan by Naveen Neer and group.
MC declares awards for competitions
MC additionally introduced awards for numerous competitions on Friday, together with these of association of flowers (with or with out roses), making of garlands, rangolis, ornaments gajras and others.
Rajni Thareja and Sanjay Thareja, the administrators of the Gurukul chain of colleges, swept away as many as 37 prizes within the pageant and gained in numerous classes, together with flower association classes of association with roses, an association with out roses, dry flower association, foliage, the appearance of spring, garland and bouquets.
MC commissioner introduced money prizes will likely be launched to winners of all classes as accomplished in earlier years.
Guests applaud fest’s rising grandeur
Aarya Kumari and Manjari Verma
The three-day pageant drew a lot of guests. Many appreciated how the occasion has grown grander through the years, with every version providing a extra vibrant and interesting expertise. Many attendees famous that the dimensions of celebrations, together with floral shows, cultural performances, and interactive actions, has considerably expanded, making the pageant extra gratifying.
Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Chandigarh, reminisced about his school days and the way the pageant has modified through the years. “Back in the 90s, this festival was much smaller. The crowd was never this large. Now, the number of visitors has increased significantly. The festival still holds cultural significance in tricity, and it continues to attract people from all backgrounds.”
Dorje, a customer from Ladakh, noticed a shift within the pageant, “It feels more like a fair this time. There is something for everyone, stalls, exhibitions and entertainment for kids. The decoration is nice, and the exhibition is impressive. The police are doing a great job. They are not just managing the crowd but also helping people cross the road safely.”
For some, the pageant was extra about nostalgia than the occasion itself. Manpreet Singh, an aged customer, stated, “I have been attending this festival since my college days, and today it is different, I have seen visitors apart from Punjab. Earlier it was more about flowers and cultural programmes. Now, it feels more commercialised. But it is still nice to see families enjoying it. It’s good to see the festival is evolving and reaching a wider audience.”
Regardless of completely different opinions, most guests agreed that the Rose Pageant continues to be an necessary occasion in Chandigarh, which attracts individuals from completely different cultures.