Rare blooms, public enthusiasm mark Visakha Utsav flower show

The VMRDA City Central Park blossomed into a vibrant spread of colour and fragrance as the flower show, a major attraction of Visakha Utsav 2026, opened to the public on Thursday. The three-day exhibition features over 100 varieties of rare and exotic flowers sourced from leading horticultural centres such as Bengaluru and Kolkata.

State TDP president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, along with Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, inaugurated the show. Visitors began arriving in large numbers from the morning, filling the walkways and display zones.

VMRDA chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal said the show combines visual appeal with horticultural skill. A bonsai exhibition and vegetable carvings by local artists have added a special element to the displays.

Special efforts were made to bring in unique species, including orchids, tulips, lilies, carnations, and Bird of Paradise. Large floral installations, theme-based designs, and decorative arches are among the highlights.

Visitors expressed delight at the scale and presentation of the show. “It feels refreshing to see so many varieties of flowers in one place. The arrangements are beautiful and perfect for families,” said S. Lakshmi, a homemaker who visited with her children.

A college student, R. Kiran, said, “The themed designs and large floral structures are impressive. We usually see such displays only in big cities. It’s great to have this in Visakhapatnam.” Another visitor, M. Pradeep, said the show offered a welcome break. “The bonsai section and vegetable carvings are very creative. It shows the talent of local artists, too,” he said.

Organisers expect thousands of visitors over the next three days, especially during the evening hours. The show will remain open till January 31, from 9 am to 9 pm. Officials said Rs 8 crore has been allocated for Visakha Utsav 2026, with a significant share earmarked for the flower show, one of the festival’s main crowd-pullers.