Sikkim second international flower show begins today

The second International Flower Show in Sikkim would be open to the public from 10am on Saturday.

Cymbidium, coronation, lily, roses and many other seasonal flowers will be on display, at Saramsa Garden (in picture), around 10km from Gangtok.

“Eight countries such as Nepal, Thailand, USA, New Zealand, Netherlands, Israel, Australia and Sri Lanka will be participating in the flower festival. Thirty-six growers from Sikkim too will exhibit their flowers,” said Phurba Bhutia, the assistant director of the department of horticulture, floriculture and cash crop.

The flower show, which will continue till February 27, would also have cultural programmes organised by the state cultural affairs department from 4pm to 7pm everyday.

Reality show finalists Deepraj Rai, nine-year-old Om Chettri from Assam and Rojalin Sahoo will take part in the cultural extravaganza.

Dancers representing 14 Sikkimese ethnic and cultural groups from eight states will also perform. The organisers have invited famous kathak dancer Manjari Priya Srivastav for the event too.

“We want to showcase the culture of Sikkim during the international flower show,” said cultural affairs secretary, Nalini G Pradhan. 

The Telegraph