Two-day ‘Kudrat De Rang, Guldawdi De Sang’ show begins in Mohali tomorrow

Environmental education coordinator Om Prakash Manauli said chrysanthemum flowers offer immense health benefits and “even doctors have validated their medicinal value”. He added that the flower is generally found in 11 forms but, “this year we have received 120 varieties. Over 1,500 pots have already been placed, ready to welcome visitors tomorrow.”

According to him, entries have come from 15 institutions and individual participants, including PGI and institutes from Ludhiana. In the institutional category, prizes of Rs 5100, Rs 2100 and Rs 1100 will be awarded, while the individual category carries cash prizes of Rs 3,100, Rs 2,100, Rs 1,100 and Rs 500.
He stated that the Education Department has urged schools to bring students in large numbers “so that their connection with nature and Chrysanthemum strengthens, and they become more aware of the world of medicinal plants”.

The school’s expansive medicinal plant garden will also remain open to visitors. It houses several rare and conserved herbal species.

Over 100 medicinal plants also on display

This year’s show will feature more than 1,500 chrysanthemum pots. Information sessions on plant care and conservation will also be held. A painting competition for children and the display of over 100 rare medicinal plant species are among the major attractions.

What began in 2022 with just 650 pots has now grown into a major community festival with thousands of entries and participation from numerous organisations. Support has poured in from gurdwaras, schools, associations and several social groups.

Flower significance and art competitions

Highlighting the cultural and health-related significance of chrysanthemums, Vidya Bharati Punjab’s general secretary Sandeep Dhuria said the flower “is an integral part of traditional wellness practices”.

He added that painting competitions themed “Colours of Nature With Chrysanthemums” will be held on December 12 for local schools and on December 13 for Vidya Bharati institutions.

‘Herbal garden a unique identity of the school’

Manauli said that the school established its herbal garden and nursery on February 1, 2022, with the aim of generating interest among students in medicinal flora. Today, the garden houses over 100 rare medicinal plant varieties, making it a model for other institutions across North India.

Members of the school management committee, including manager Anil Kumar Aggarwal, chairperson Pratibha Gupta, and principal Vijay Anand were present at the press meet.

Plans to scale up next year

Manauli said, “Next year, we aim to involve many more schools from Punjab and Haryana so that this show earns national recognition and emerges as the leading ‘Chrysanthemum Show’ of the Chandigarh Tricity.”