Flower show from January 18 to 28, themed around Vishwa Guru Basavanna

Cabinet meeting officially recognized Basavanna as Karnataka's cultural leader

Notable attraction is a towering replica of Basavanna's Anubhava Mantapa

Commencing at the Glass House in Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Republic Day flower show was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, joined by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

As part of the Republic Day Celebrations, the Department of Horticulture is organizing the flower show from January 18 to 28, themed around the eminent philosophers Vishwa Guru Basavanna and Vachana Sahitya. The objective is to illuminate Basavanna’s endeavours for societal transformation and equality.

During his address to the audience, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underscored Basavanna’s vision for establishing a society devoid of caste, creed, divisions, and superstitions. He emphasized the distinctive nature of this edition of the flower show, drawing inspiration from Basavanna’s life and the Vachanas of other poets. Siddaramaiah also announced that a cabinet meeting earlier in the day officially recognized Basavanna as Karnataka’s cultural leader.

A notable attraction at the flower show is a towering replica of Basavanna’s Anubhava Mantapa, reaching an impressive height of 30 feet and a width of 34 feet. Crafted with nearly 4.8 lakh flowers, the replica stands behind a lifelike statue of Basavanna, symbolizing his serene presence and dedication to social transformation.

The flower show boasts a captivating assortment of local and exotic flowers, including red salvia, zinnia, toraneum, celosia, and petunia, providing a visually stunning experience for visitors. A bamboo replica of the renowned Vachana concerts is also on display, showcasing the rich cultural heritage associated with Basavanna’s teachings.

The Glass House is adorned with statues of other influential Vachana poets from the 12th century, such as Akkamahadevi, Neelambike, Sharane Satyakka, Akka Nagalambike, Hadapada Appanna, Madivala Machideva, Samagara Haralayya, Amigara Chowdayya, and Baachikaayada Basavanna.

With expectations of over 10 lakh visitors in the next 10 days, the Republic Day flower show promises to be an enchanting experience for both Bengalureans and tourists.