Mangaluru: A grand Fruit and Flower Show will be held at Kadri Park in Mangaluru from January 23 to 26, 2025, in celebration of Republic Day. The event is being organized by the Horticulture Department, District Administration, Dakshina Kannada District Panchayat, and Kadri Park Development Committee, in collaboration with the Siri Horticulture Associations and other development departments.
Addressing the media at Kadri Park D.K. Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Anand said "This year, a 22-foot tall Eiffel Tower made of flowers will be a special attraction at the exhibition. It is estimated that 2 lakh different flowers will be used to decorate this tower with a circumference of 12 feet.
The show will be inaugurated by U.T. Khader, Hon'ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Dinesh Gundurao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka Government, along with the Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister, at 11:00 AM.
The Mangaluru South MLA, Hon'ble Mr. D. Vedavyasa Kamath, will preside over the event. Other dignitaries, including District Lok Sabha MPs, Rajya Sabha MPs, MLAs, and officials from various government bodies, will grace the occasion.
A standout feature of the show will be a flower-based replica of the Eiffel Tower, standing 22 feet tall and 12 feet in circumference, adorned with over 2 lakh flowers. Other flower-decorated models, such as photo frames, selfie zones, and children's attractions like mushrooms and Mickey Mouse figures, will also be on display.
A unique 5-6 feet wide carpet model created from siri grains and ornamental leaves will be showcased, alongside Yakshagana and fisherman-themed artworks. Over 20,000 flowers from more than 30 species, including Salmiya, Sevantige, and Vinca Rosea, will be artistically arranged. A vegetable gardening demonstration will also be featured.
The art of vegetable carving will be demonstrated, with pieces inspired by the district's agricultural produce and dignitaries' artwork. Ornamental plants and intricate Ikebana floral arrangements will be on exhibit. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about honey production, its medicinal benefits, and sample varieties of honey under the Zenkara brand. Pilikula Biological Park will present key plant species from the Western Ghats, along with medicinal plants and native seeds. Various nurseries, seed vendors, fertilizer sellers, and organic product sellers will set up stalls.
The entrance fee is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 20 for children. Students in uniform, accompanied by teachers, will get free entry from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The show will be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Farmers will display unique varieties of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Farmers are encouraged to bring their exhibits to Kadri Park on January 22 at 10:30 AM. The Native Seeds Producer Company, Mysore, will showcase and sell various tuber yams. Various Self-Help Groups under the National Livelihood Scheme will present and sell their handmade products.
In the press conference, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture Pramod CM, Kadri Park Development Committee members B. Jagannath Gambhir, Ram Mugrodi, GK Bhat, Horticulture Department official Pradeep D'Souza and others were present.