Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Feb 2: The 28th Flower Show, organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Tree Authority, was held at Veermata Jijamata Udyan in Byculla, Mumbai, attracting over 3 lac visitors. This three-day annual event, now in its 28th edition, showcased breathtaking floral displays and green landscapes, drawing Bollywood celebrities and international dignitaries alike.
Renowned actors Jackie Shroff, Ranjeet, Shahbaz Khan, Vijay Patkar, Neha Joshi, Kishori Sahane, and actress-influencer Ekta Jain were among the star-studded guests who attended and appreciated the vibrant exhibition.
The event also saw the presence of Jeetendra Pardeshi, superintendent of garden, BMC, who expressed his gratitude to all celebrity attendees and visitors. Additionally, the consul generals of Japan, Sweden, and Malaysia were present, highlighting the global appeal of the show.
The theme for this year’s flower show was ‘National Symbols of India,’ featuring striking floral replicas of dolphins, tigers, peacocks, and other iconic emblems at the entrance of the garden. The exhibition, set against the lush backdrop of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Park, showcased over 20,000 plant pots, including vibrant flowers, fruit-bearing trees, and various vegetables.
Veteran Bollywood actor Ranjeet extended his congratulations to Jeetendra Pardeshi and the organising team. Expressing his love for nature, he shared that he cultivates vegetables and flowers on the rooftop of his house.
Jackie Shroff, known for his environmental advocacy, thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and commended BMC’s efforts in maintaining Mumbai’s greenery. He emphasised the urgent need for tree plantation to combat rising pollution levels and praised the exhibition for its role in promoting ecological awareness.
Jeetendra Pardeshi highlighted the importance of fostering a love for plants among children and visitors, stating that this year’s theme beautifully integrates national pride with nature. He revealed that floral displays included designs representing the tiger, peacock, hockey stick, Bharat Ratna, Ashok Chakra, and various other symbols of India.
Actress and social media influencer Ekta Jain lauded the exhibition and shared her personal initiative of planting a tree on every birthday and nurturing it throughout the year. She encouraged people to plant flowers and greenery in their homes as a sustainable measure to combat air pollution.
The 28th flower show successfully celebrated nature, creativity, and sustainability, leaving visitors inspired to contribute to a greener environment. The event reaffirmed the significance of preserving Mumbai’s green spaces and highlighted the collective responsibility of citizens in maintaining ecological balance.