Patiala, Feb 18: The historic Barandari Bagh in Patiala transformed into a vibrant hub of color and local flavors on Wednesday as the annual Flower and Food Festival officially commenced. Organized through the joint cooperation of the Horticulture Department and the District Administration, the event was inaugurated by Baltej Pannu, State General Secretary and Chief Spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party, alongside Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia.
The festival features an extensive exhibition of 2,000 flowers, including specialized competitions for cut flowers, cacti, bonsai, and potted plants. Visitors were also treated to 20 food stalls and 25 stalls dedicated to organic produce. During the opening ceremony, Pannu toured the various displays and interacted with local gardening enthusiasts to support their efforts.
Pannu stated that Patiala is widely recognized as a city of gardens and ragas, noting that its heritage belongs to all residents. He maintained that every individual should understand their responsibility in contributing to the preservation of this common property. He also encouraged city residents to utilize the local gardens for morning walks to promote health and environmental cleanliness.
Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia declared that the district administration is committed to making continuous efforts to preserve the city’s greenery and historical sites. He affirmed that annual festivals of this nature do more than just create awareness about nature; they also provide a vital platform for local artists and traders to showcase their work to the community.
The event concluded its first day with a prize distribution ceremony, where 25 winners of the floral competitions were recognized for their gardening skills. Nodal Officer Jashanpreet Kaur Gill thanked the various departments and the public for their participation, stating that the success of such cultural events depends entirely on the enthusiasm and cooperation of the city’s residents.
