Delhi Turns Floral Hub As CM Rekha Gupta Opens NDMC’s Grand Flower Festival Featuring 48 Varieties

New Delhi witnessed a burst of colour on Tuesday as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the four-day 'Flower Festival 2026' at Central Park in Connaught Place.

Organised by the New Delhi Municipal Council, the event brings together thousands of blooms in a celebration of nature, community and urban beautification. NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra, Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal and other dignitaries were present at the opening ceremony.

A Floral Vision for a Greener Capital

Addressing attendees, the Chief Minister emphasised that as the national capital, it is a collective responsibility to make Delhi cleaner, greener and more attractive. She remarked that while people once travelled to Kashmir to witness tulips, residents can now admire similar splendour within the city, crediting NDMC's sustained horticultural efforts.

Describing the event as a "Selfie Festival", she noted that it has become a major attraction for citizens. Referring to the timing of the celebration during the month of Phalguna, she said the festival has filled the capital with colour and fragrance.

She also praised the gardeners and officials of NDMC's Horticulture Department for their dedication in transforming Central Park into a vibrant floral showcase. Encouraging wider participation, she urged other departments to take inspiration from such initiatives to further enhance the city's greenery and visual appeal.

Floral Display Across 18 Themed Sections

The scale of the exhibition reflects meticulous planning and creativity. More than 15,500 potted plants representing 48 varieties have been arranged across 18 themed sections.

Visitors can explore seasonal blooms such as dahlias, petunias, pansies, salvias and marigolds. The festival also features tray gardens, landscape gardens, expansive hanging baskets, terrariums and both Eastern and Western floral arrangements, including Ikebana.

Adding to the visual charm are floral figures shaped like animals and birds, colourful floral boards and specially designed pyramid, heart-shaped, conical and cylindrical structures that double as popular selfie points.

Community Participation and Open Access

Expressing admiration for the floral installations and creative structures, the Chief Minister voiced confidence that with sustained efforts, the entire city could one day be adorned with flowers. She appealed to residents to visit the festival with their families and participate in the shared commitment to keep Delhi clean, green and beautiful.

The festival will remain open to the public from March 3 to March 6, 2026, and entry is free. Alongside the exhibition, stalls have been set up offering nursery plants, bonsai, cacti and succulents, herbal plants, hydroponic systems, gardening tools, seeds, pots, fertilisers and decorative materials for purchase, giving gardening enthusiasts an opportunity to take a piece of the celebration home.