The historic Empress Garden Flower Show 2026 kicks off in Pune on January 23. This year's edition pays a special tribute to Padma Bhushan Dr. Madhav Gadgil, the late senior environmentalist. Dr. Gadgil served as an honorary member of the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India.
Inauguration Details and Tribute
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar will formally inaugurate the exhibition. The inauguration takes place at 12 noon on Friday, January 23, at the Empress Garden premises. A special tribute meeting follows immediately after the inauguration. Organizers aim to express gratitude for Dr. Gadgil's lifelong work in environmental protection and conservation.
Show Timings and Public Access
The flower show opens to the public from January 23 to January 27. On the opening day, January 23, visitors can enjoy the exhibition from 1 pm to 7 pm. From January 24 to January 27, the timings extend from 9 am to 7 pm each day.
Major Attractions and Highlights
Organizers highlight several key attractions for this year's show. Japanese-style ikebana flower arrangements will captivate visitors. An impressive display of bonsai trees also promises to draw crowds.
The event features state-level participation. Renowned nursery professionals from Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik, and other regions will showcase their expertise.
Competitions and Student Involvement
A series of competitions adds excitement for gardening enthusiasts. These include flower arrangement contests, fruit and vegetable competitions, and attractive pot contests. Notably, there is no entry fee for participants.
Over 800 students from various schools have registered for painting and handwriting competitions. This initiative encourages creativity and fosters environmental awareness among children.
Legacy and Purpose
The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India manages the Empress Garden. Established in 1830, the society continues to uphold Pune's green heritage. Organizers emphasize that the flower show serves more than entertainment purposes.
They plan the event to instill love for nature among citizens. The show also promotes environmental responsibility across the community. The public receives an urgent invitation to attend in large numbers.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning floral exhibition while paying homage to Dr. Gadgil's ecological contributions. The Empress Garden Flower Show 2026 stands as a vibrant celebration of nature and conservation.
