Gujarat Chief Minister Inaugurates Major Cultural and Horticultural Fairs in Surat
In a significant cultural event for the region, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially inaugurated the 20th Swami Vivekananda National Book Fair 2026 and the 18th Horticulture Fair and Flower Show on Sunday. The grand opening ceremony took place at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) ground, organized by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister also launched the 10th Shilpgram Fair and a dedicated Food Festival, marking a comprehensive celebration of literature, art, and nature. All these events are scheduled to be accessible to the public from February 22 to March 1, offering a week-long immersive experience for visitors.
Exploring the Book Fair and Thematic Pavilion
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Patel took a tour of the book fair stalls, where he examined a specially curated thematic pavilion. This pavilion prominently showcased the literary works of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his contributions to literature and public discourse.
The book fair itself is structured across 11 domes, each serving a distinct purpose:
- Five book domes housing 63 stalls dedicated to a wide range of publications.
- One Shilpgram dome featuring 44 stalls for artisans and craftsmen.
- Four plantation domes with 40 stalls focused on horticulture and gardening.
- An expansive 800-square-meter flower show displaying floral artistry.
- A food zone dome containing 36 stalls offering culinary delights.
In addition to the stalls, the book domes will host a series of engaging activities, including lectures, competitions, and cultural programs, enriching the visitor experience with educational and entertainment opportunities.
Highlights of the Horticulture Fair and Flower Show
The horticulture fair brings together 40 nursery stalls from leading nurseries across Gujarat and Maharashtra. These stalls offer a diverse array of products, such as vibrant flowers, essential gardening tools, and decorative pots, catering to gardening enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The accompanying flower show is a visual spectacle, featuring 45 varieties of plants. This includes seasonal blooms, perennial flowering plants, and lush foliage plants, creating a colorful and educational display for attendees to enjoy and learn from.
Shilpgram Fair and Distinguished Attendees
The Shilpgram fair is set to showcase unique handcrafted items created by skilled artisans and craftsmen, promoting traditional arts and crafts in a modern setting. This fair provides a platform for local talent and preserves cultural heritage through its exhibits.
The inauguration event was graced by several dignitaries, underscoring its importance. Notable attendees included Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil, Mayor Dakshesh Mavani, Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, and Collector Saurabh Pardhi, among other officials and community leaders.
This multi-fair initiative in Surat not only celebrates literature and horticulture but also fosters community engagement and cultural appreciation, making it a landmark event for the city and the state of Gujarat.
