Governor inaugurates Vasantotsav–2026
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 27 Feb: Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) inaugurated Vasantotsav–2026 on Friday at the Lok Bhavan premises here amid vibrant cultural performances and a grand floral exhibition. The event was attended by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi, Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj, and First Lady Gurmeet Kaur.
On this occasion, the Governor released a Special Postal Cover on the theme “Bhoj Patra” issued by the Department of Posts and also inaugurated a philatelic exhibition organised by the Dehradun Postal Division. The exhibition showcased an attractive collection of stamps based on diverse themes, drawing significant public interest.
This year’s theme of Vasantotsav is “Floral Healing: Nature’s Path to Well-Being.” The Horticulture Department made special arrangements to demonstrate the concept of floral healing. Stalls displayed fresh flowers found in Himalayan regions and food products prepared from them. Through these theme-based exhibits, the message conveyed was that the festival extends beyond a floral display and highlights the therapeutic power of nature and the importance of flowers and greenery for mental and physical well-being.
On the first day, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Dehradun) and Niramaya Yogam Research Foundation (Haridwar) presented a captivating rhythmic yoga performance. Children from the Wushu Association Uttarakhand showcased impressive Wushu demonstrations. The Governor also interacted with students participating in the painting competition, appreciating their artwork and encouraging their creativity. He visited various exhibition stalls and interacted with exhibitors.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that Vasantotsav has created a festive atmosphere at Lok Bhavan. He praised the quality, diversity, and fragrance of the flowers displayed and appreciated the efforts of progressive farmers and horticulture experts. He noted that horticulture and floriculture can provide new momentum to the state’s economy and generate income and employment opportunities.
Referring to the “Aroma Revolution,” he stated that aromatic products derived from Uttarakhand’s natural resources can achieve global recognition. He also lauded ongoing research into the health benefits of flowers and aromatic products.
Describing the release of the special postal cover on Bhoj Patra as a significant moment, the Governor said that Bhoj Patra symbolises India’s ancient knowledge tradition and rich cultural heritage, deeply connected to our roots and identity.
He further stated that exhibitions by youth, women, and self-help groups reflect creativity and self-reliance. Highlighting honey, aroma products, and millets as pillars of potential economic growth, he emphasised that integrating these products with technology and digitisation could open new markets and opportunities. He appealed to citizens to participate in Vasantotsav with their families and benefit from the event.
In Vasantotsav–2026, a total of 2,314 participants have taken part across 15 categories and 55 sub-categories. These include competitions in traditional and non-traditional cut flowers, potted plants, loose flowers, vegetables, cactus and succulents, bonsai, terrariums, hanging pots, hydroponics, honey, fresh petal rangoli, on-the-spot photography, and painting (with 738 participants in painting alone). Winners will be awarded on 1 March following the decision of the jury.
A total of 343 stalls have been set up by various institutions and individuals. Eighteen stalls were put up by state government institutions, showcasing horticultural machinery, bio-fertilizers, organic pest-control products, and initiatives by NGOs, self-help groups, and local producer organisations.
Farmers from all districts of the state, along with departmental officials and the general public, participated enthusiastically. As in previous years, millet-based dishes were made available at the food court for visitors.
Senior officials, including Secretary to the Governor Ravinath Raman, Secretary Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare SN Pandey, Additional Secretary to the Governor Reena Joshi, Director, Horticulture, SL Semwal, and other officials of the Horticulture Department, were present on the occasion.
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