Plant festival to bloom after 7-year hiatus

Panaji: Festoons of coconut fronds, fruit saplings and flower pots will be the highlights at the upcoming Plant Utsav being organised by the Botanical Society of Goa (BSG), from November 15 to 17, at the Jardin de Garcia de Orta, Panaji.
“Goans have always had a keen interest in gardening and growing potted plants. Also, there is huge potential for floral market in the state owing to the numerous festivals celebrated at the state being a favoured wedding destination.We aim to tap these through this festival,” said BSG vice-president Daniel D’Souza.
Interestingly, the festival is being revived after a gap of seven years. In its hay days, apart from the plants it also featured a section highlighting the bountiful fruits of the Konkan region, of which the annual Konkan Fruit Festival is a spin-off.
“By reviving this event, we aim to not only bring plant lovers together, but also educate young minds about various native plants of Goa and encourage people to protect endangered plant species,” D’Souza said.
On display at the festival will be an array of potted plants, while grafts of forest tree species as well as fruit and flowering plants will be sold.
To add colour to the festival, contests for plant lovers and school children will also be held. Plant lovers interested in participating in the plant competition must bring their potted plants on November 15 between 4 to 7pm to the venue. A flower arrangement demonstration will also be held at 5pm. Meanwhile, children from schools from Panaji are also invited to participate in a drawing competition which will be held on November 17, at 10am.