Chrysanthemum & coleus show comes to a close

early 72 groups (private and governmental) and individuals participated with 569 exhibits this year.

The two-day annual chrysanthemum and coleus show organised by the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute concluded with the prize distribution on Sunday. Nearly 72 groups (private and governmental) and individuals participated with 569 exhibits this year.

The two-day annual chrysanthemum and coleus show organised by the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute concluded on Sunday. (HT PHOTO)

The chief guest at the event was vice-chancellor of the Lucknow University, Alok Rai Tiwari. In his address to the audience, he spoke of the intrinsic connection of man and nature. “The fast paced life these days has forced us to do away with aesthetics and beauty,” he said. Citing the example of the event, he said that nature brought humans together in a way that nothing else could. The guest of honour at the event was Samdeep Tiwari, chief medical superintendent at trauma centre, King George’s Medical University.

The event began on Saturday and the prize distribution ceremony took place in the botanical gardens surrounded by the exhibits and nature enthusiasts who came to witness the yearly event. The participants had started setting up their arrangements a day in advance. Three hundred and seven prizes and titles were distributed, of which Ranjeeta Agarwal took away 32, bagging the highest number of awards. She was recognised for her large and small flowered chrysanthemums and her attractive arrangements. La Martiniere College (Hazratganj) bagged the second position and Headquarters, Central Command, Lucknow Cantonment came in third.

This annual competition has been going on for decades and was first held in 1960. It has been an annual event, with sporadic gaps due to floods and the pandemic. The NBRI is also looking forward to another such show which will be themed on ‘Roses and Gladiolus’ on January 21 and 22.