Chandigarh, February 20:- The eagerly awaited 37th Chandigarh Rose Festival got off to a colorful start today with the inaugural ceremony performed by the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM at the lush green Zakir Rose Garden amidst utmost gaiety and enthusiasm. The lively and fun filled ceremony was marked by the releasing of balloons, playing of bands, beating of drums, performance of folk dances by different states and display of other distinctive regional art forms depicting the ‘unity in diversity’ culture of our Country. The unique feature of the giddha item was the focus on the need to save the girl child and empowerment of women community.
Accompanied by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, the Administrator cut the ribbon of a flower bed decked tunnel, decorated with sweet smelling roses of pink, red, yellow, white, orange and peach colours, providing a visual treat. The blow-ups of roses displayed on both sides of the tunnel is adding to the beauty of this entry point. Over 200 artists from different States including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana were performing their dances: vadai, kalbelia, siddhidhamal, goti pua, barsana holi, giddha, bazigar and gatka and ghoomer and folk orchestra of Haryana, respectively.
General Rodrigues also inaugurated the brass and pipe band competition in which ten bands from PAP, Punjab Police Academy, Himachal Home Guards, Haryana Police, Chandigarh Police and Home Guards participated and displayed their performances. The Administrator and Mrs. Jean Rodrigues showed keen interest in the artistic endeavour and band performances and interacted with them.
The Administrator and Mrs. Jean Rodrigues also went around the festival and flower arrangements, potted plants, aesthetically and beautifully displayed. The Rangoli in the flower arrangement corner was also another feature of great attraction for the viewers.
General Rodrigues while interacting with the senior officers, horticulturists and landscaping experts, emphasized the need for a more collective and organized effort for sharing their expertise, experience and knowledge and to work together for strengthening the relationship between man and nature and to convert this vision of garden art as a tribute to the natural landscape. This festival must be made more diversified with educative and meaningful ventures to meet the gardening, artistic and cultural needs of the people of all walks of life.
The Rose Festival has attracted thousands of visitors, from all shades of life. The three day event will have various competitions, like Rose Prince and Princess Competition for children, on the spot painting competition, flower arrangements, cut flowers and flowers grown in pots for garden lovers, kite flying, display of skill in fruit and vegetable carving for butlers, besides joy ride, camel ride, monkey dance, puppet show followed by cultural evenings by renowned singers and film personalities.
General Rodrigues also released a beautiful folder brought out by the organizers on the occasion.
Senior officers who were present at the inaugural ceremony included Mr. Pradip Mehra, Adviser to Administrator, Mr. Ram Niwas, Home Secretary, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Finance Secretary, Mr. R.K. Rao, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Roshan Sankaria, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Mr. S.K.Jain, Inspector General of Police, Mr. S.S.Srivastava, SSP, Mr. D.K. Tiwari, Managing Director, CITCO, Mr. Samwartak Singh, DPI (Schools), Mr. Kishanjit Singh, Chief Engineer, Municipal Councillors and other elected represented from different bodies.Chandigarh, February 20:- The 37th Rose Festival commenced amidst colorful performances, release of balloons and multi color blooming Roses. The much awaited festival brings in numerous competitions and mesmerizing performances.
In the Folk Dance Competition, UT IG Police, Mr. S. K. Jain was the chief guest on the occasion. Gidda by the students of Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 10 won the first prize. Second prize was given to Haryanvi Dance performed by the students of GMSSS, Sector 46. The Rajasthani dance by GMSSS, Sector 33 received the third position.
The second day of the festival will have Rose Prince & Princess Competition, Photography Competition, Kite Flying Competition and Rose Quiz competition.