Ahmedabad International Flower Show Extended to January 29, Continues to Attract Visitors
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced an extension of the International Flower Show 2026 on the Sabarmati Riverfront, with the event now running until January 29. Despite reporting lower footfalls compared to previous years, the show continues to draw crowds with its diverse and engaging floral displays.
Theme 'Bharat Ek Gatha' Offers Something for Everyone
This year's theme, 'Bharat Ek Gatha', showcases a wide range of installations that cater to all age groups. From grand mythological depictions to playful children's zones, the show aims to celebrate India's cultural diversity. A notable highlight includes a floral recreation of Peppa Pig, which attracted young students from Tutorial High School in Shahpur.
Teacher Shreemadi Ekta expressed her admiration for the religious installations, particularly the depiction of Shree Krishna holding the Govardhan mountain. "The arrangements for children are done very well. The themes and installations are more attractive than last year," she noted.
Visitor Experiences and Feedback
While the crowd numbers have been moderate since the extension announcement, attendance tends to pick up after 3 PM. Visitors have shared mixed feedback on their experiences. Dolly Makkar, a 60-year-old resident and teacher, praised the festival's overall quality but pointed out issues with cleanliness in the food court. "The festival is extremely good and well-made, but the filth in the food court turns you off," she said.
Prutha Dave, a 57-year-old IT professional, highlighted the lack of seating, especially for senior citizens. "There is no place to sit. I would request at least one or two benches to be placed inside the festival," he mentioned, also noting that wheelchair access is available from inside the venue.
Installations and Features
The show features an array of floral installations, including:
- Giant-size pichkaris, diyas, and kaju katli
- Depictions of a squirrel, football, and windmills
- Banners highlighting Diwali as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage and the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad
Efforts towards cleanliness and visitor convenience are evident, with dustbins placed at every installation and water booths at regular intervals. Additionally, flashcards and QR-coded audio guides provide information about the flowers and displays.
Positive Reactions and Annual Appeal
Kajal Punjabi, a 48-year-old teacher and regular attendee, shared her enthusiasm: "I come here every year, it's getting better and better. This year's religious theme, showing different cultures and unity in diversity, was very nice... Amazing."
Another visitor, who preferred to remain anonymous, found the 'Operation Sindoor' installation particularly interesting, appreciating its positive portrayal of the Army for the new generation.
Changes in This Year's Edition
The 14th edition of the show, which began on January 1, has seen a drop in footfalls by over 2.5 lakh compared to last year. In response, the AMC has scrapped the 'VIP slot' that allowed premium entry beyond official hours. Despite these challenges, the extension aims to provide more opportunities for visitors to experience the floral extravaganza.
As the show continues until January 29, it remains a vibrant attraction on Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront, blending artistry, culture, and nature in a unique celebration.
