Pune: Empress Garden Flower Show 2026 to Bloom From January 23; Pays Tribute to Environmentalist Dr. Gadgil
Pune, 19th January 2026: The historic Empress Garden will come alive with colour and creativity as it hosts the Empress Garden Flower Show 2026 from January 23 to 27, with this year’s exhibition being dedicated to the memory of noted environmentalist and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Madhav Gadgil. The annual event, regarded as one of Pune’s most awaited nature-centric exhibitions, was announced during a press conference by Suman Kirloskar, Chairperson of the Exhibition Committee, and Suresh Pingale, Vice-Chairperson.
The five-day flower show will be inaugurated on Friday, January 23, at 12 noon by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. Following the inauguration, a condolence and tribute meeting will be organised in memory of Dr. Gadgil, who was an honorary member of the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India and a towering figure in the field of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Organisers said this year’s exhibition will offer visitors a blend of visual appeal and learning opportunities. Highlights include Japanese Ikebana flower arrangements, an extensive display of Bonsai plants, and a wide assortment of ornamental flowers and greenery spread across the garden premises.
The event will also see participation from nursery owners and horticulture experts representing Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik and several other regions of Maharashtra. Various competitions have been arranged for gardening enthusiasts, covering categories such as flower arrangements, fruits and vegetables, and decorative potted plants. Organisers clarified that no entry fee will be charged for participants in these competitions.
Encouraging involvement from younger audiences, the organisers recently conducted drawing and handwriting competitions, attracting participation from more than 800 school students. Officials said the response reflects a growing awareness and interest in nature and environmental themes among children.
The exhibition will remain open to the public from 1 pm to 7 pm on January 23, while visiting hours from January 24 to 27 will be from 9 am to 7 pm.
Run by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India, which was established in 1830, Empress Garden continues to play a key role in promoting horticulture and environmental awareness. The organisers stressed that the flower show is designed not only as a recreational event but also as a platform to inspire ecological responsibility among citizens.
Residents have been urged to visit the exhibition in large numbers, experience the floral displays, and join in commemorating the legacy of Dr. Madhav Gadgil.
