Gulab Chand Kataria, Chandigarh Administrator, inaugurated the 54th Rose Festival at the Zakir Rose Garden, Sector 16, in Chandigarh on Friday. The Tribune is the media partner of three-day mega floral extravaganza, which will witness many functions, including musical nights. The festival will continue till February 22.

H Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary, Local Government, Amit Kumar, Commissioner, MC, Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forest, Pardeep Kumar, Special Commissioner, MC, Mayor Saurabh Joshi, along with councilors and senior officers of Chandigarh Administration and MC were present on the occasion.

Kataria while addressing the gathering lauded the efforts of officers and employees of the MC in organising the festival on such a grand scale. He highlighted that the Rose Garden had been thoughtfully designed so that a walk through it felt like reading a beautiful story. The Governor also fondly remembered MS Randhawa, who conceptualised the Rose Festival, and Zakir Husain, after whom the garden is named, noting that both were passionate horticulturists.

Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of citizens and budding artists, he announced a special prize of Rs 10 lakh for participants of various competitions. The Governor expressed happiness that this year’s festival continued its unique ‘zero budget’ and ‘zero waste’ model for the second consecutive time, reflecting the city’s growing commitment to sustainability and public participation.

City Mayor Saurabh Joshi emphasized that the festival had something for every age group, with popular competitions such as Rose Prince & Princess, Mr & Ms Rose and Rose King & Queen for senior citizens. He appreciated the overwhelming enthusiasm of citizens and the tireless efforts of MC officers in making the event a visual delight.

MC Commissioner Amit Kumar stated that the Rose Garden was currently home to over 800 varieties of roses in diverse hues, complemented by breathtaking floral displays, innovative designs and exotic exhibits.

The three-day festival features a rich lineup of events, including brass and pipe band competitions, photography exhibitions, mushaira, cultural evenings and a dedicated game zone for children.

The MC launched “Swachhata Ke Puzzles” — interactive jigsaw puzzles promoting waste segregation, four categories of waste, anti-littering messages and plastic-free living. Stalls promoting the ‘MC One Pass’ initiative have also been installed at key entry gates to create mass awareness among visitors.

A dedicated exhibition area has also been set up to highlight key projects, citizen-centric initiatives and best practices of the MC, showcasing achievements in waste management, sanitation reforms, smart infrastructure, green initiatives and digital governance. Later in the evening, live performance by “We are One” dance group mesmerised the visitors. An open stage for budding artists and performers, vintage car display and cultural performances at the ground opposite Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh, drew huge crowd. Clay modelling, portrait making and print making workshop by the students of Govt College of Art was also organised, besides an exhibition of especially abled artists held at the underpass in Sector 17, Chandigarh.