CM Siddaramaiah flags off 218th Lalbagh Flower Show in Bengaluru

The Independence Day-themed flower show at Lalbagh showcases floral tributes to Karnataka’s legendary freedom fighters, drawing lakhs of expected visitors.

The 218th edition of the iconic Lalbagh Flower Show was officially inaugurated today by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru. The 12-day event, which runs from August 7 to 18, celebrates the legacy of freedom fighters Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna with elaborate floral installations and historical tributes.

Joined by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, Ministers Ramalinga Reddy and S S Mallikarjun, and MLA Uday Garudachar, the CM opened the gates to thousands of flower enthusiasts. This year’s theme centers around Karnataka’s freedom movement, with a stunning 18-foot-tall, 32-foot-wide replica of the Kittur Fort built inside the glasshouse using vibrant flowers and plants.

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Inside the fort replica, viewers can witness creative floral depictions of historical resistance and bravery. The Unity Mantapa, a tribute to the unity of purpose among freedom fighters, also adds emotional depth to the show.

Visitors can book tickets online via https://hasiru.karnataka.gov.in/floweshow/login.aspx and enter using a QR code. Entry fees are ₹80 on weekdays and ₹100 on holidays for adults, while children pay ₹30. Students from grades 1-10 wearing school uniforms are allowed free entry.

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Organisers expect over 11 lakh visitors this season. A vibrant array of flowers such as Anthurium, Gerbera, Orchid, Puschia, and Red Hot Poker adds colour and grandeur to the historic celebration.

CM Siddaramaiah, barefoot in tradition, paid floral respects to the statues of Chennamma and Rayanna and examined the history panels explaining their contributions. He called it a powerful reminder of Karnataka’s heroic past.

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