49th Rose Festival begins in Chandigarh; see pics

There is nip in the air but the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. Spring is upon us and so is the 49th rose festival in Chandigarh which is taking place at the Zakir Rose Garden in Sector 16 of Chandigarh. Check out the latest pictures here. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The festival was inaugurated by UT Adviser Manoj Kumar Parida. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The festival is being held for three days from Feb 26 till March 1. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Weekend is packed with the Rose Festival which is drawing visitors from across the city. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Earlier a budget of 89 lakhs was set for the celebration but because of the pandemic, the budget came down to 25 lakhs for a 'symbolic celebration.' (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The budget was also lowered down in order to spend the money on building wards. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

There will be no cultural programmes this time. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Visitors won't be able to enjoy musical night this time owing to pandemic restrictions. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Only flower installations will be there at the festival. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The festival will honour corona warriors and the frontline workers on February 28, 2021. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Not only that but social organisations and residential welfare groups who worked amidst the pandemic shall be honoured as well. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Visitors enjoy the blooming roses at the Zakir Rose Garden. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

People enjoy the various installations placed across the garden. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)