Flower spring festival: Vasantotsav: Dehradun: Uttarakhand: Spring celebration and culture came alive as Vasantotsav 2026 was inaugurated on February 27 at the Lok Bhawan premises in Dehradun by Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh Retd. The three day festival opened amid vibrant cultural performances and a grand flower exhibition. Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj and First Lady Gurmit Kaur were among the dignitaries present on the first day of the event. This year the festival adopted the theme Floral Healing which highlights the therapeutic benefits of flowers and nature in promoting wellbeing and mental health.
Cultural Programmes and Exhibits Shine Bright
Art nature and tradition took centre stage as cultural evenings showcased folk artists from across the state presenting Uttarakhand cultural heritage. Rhythmic yoga performances by students from the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities and Niramaya Yogam Research Foundation enthralled visitors. Children from the Wushu Association demonstrated martial arts skills adding energy and colour to the festival atmosphere. The Governor also released a special postal cover on Bhoj Patra acknowledging India rich history and cultural legacy.
Community and Economic Participation
The event drew enthusiastic participation with over two thousand three hundred entries across fifteen main categories of competition including traditional and non traditional cut flowers potted plants, succulents, terrariums, hydroponics, gardening and on the spot photography. A total of three hundred forty three stalls were set up by government institutions, ngos, self help groups and local producers highlighting horticultural technologies, organic pest control, biofertilisers, millets, honey and other indigenous products. The Governor noted that horticulture and floriculture have the potential to boost the state economy by generating employment and income opportunities for local communities.
Encouraging Art Music and Local Entrepreneurs
On the second day of the festival the Governor visited the art gallery and photo exhibition where paintings and photography captured natural beauty and wildlife themes. He interacted with artists and photographers encouraged young entrepreneurs and appreciated traditional food stalls run by women self help groups. He also experienced floral meditation and noted its positive impact on mental wellbeing reinforcing the core spirit of the festival Healing and Well Being. A buyer seller meet organised by the Uttarakhand Horticulture Board helped link growers with potential markets strengthening commercial ties.
