Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had organised fruits, flowers and vegetable exhibition on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of its formation at Chhtarapati Sambhajiraje Garden, Shivajinagar, which opened on February 18. The show was planned on a grand scale and public flocked in all day long to witness the visual extravaganza.
The gigantic garden gate was adorned with flowers from head-to-toe. A huge 'Swagatam Rangoli' had been created right below it. If this wasn't enough for a grand welcome, one was greeted with a pompous fountain with flowers arranged in the middle of it. Classical music was being played to serenade the visitors. A large number of people had come in just to spend a leisurely Saturday and soak in the calm and peaceful atmosphere.
It had more than 40 stalls offering a range of saplings, gardening aids and organic items. Some of these stalls highlighted a myriad variety of roses, hybrid and jungle orchids and exotic show plants that are among the attractions for avid gardeners. "Back home, we have over 200 varieties of orchids and lilies. One just needs to have the basic knowledge of growing orchids at home," said Darjeeling-based S K Rai, who has put up a stall on orchids.
The stalls ranged from agro and organic seedlings to herbal beauty products to gardening tools.
There was an entire section displaying medicinal plants and their uses. It was the work of Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune. Sculptures made from vegetables and leafy greens by Avalokita Mane and a plethora of bonsai presentations by Friends of Bonsai, Pune were some of the other attractions.
Some other events of the show included a photography exhibition titled '3rd Eye' by renowed photographer Vishwas Naidu; an audio-visual presentation-cum-interactive session with Ikebana expert Mona Pingale; a session on first aid and life-saving skills by the Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India). '3rd Eye' also featured nature photography by an 11yr old Rajyavardhan Patil.

--Abhimanyu Kulkarni

.