Pune: Flower Show at Empress Garden Opens to Citizens

Camp, 24th January 2025: The Empress Garden Flower Show 2025 was inaugurated today, with Maharashtra Settlement Commissioner and Director of Land Records Dr. Suhas Diwase calling on the youth to preserve the legacy of this iconic event. “The youth of today should take up the responsibility of preserving this legacy,” said Diwase. “This is a legacy Pune has inherited, and we must ensure its continuity for future generations.”
Diwase was speaking at the inauguration of the annual flower exhibition, organized by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. Also present were the society’s President Pratap Pawar, Honorary Secretary Suresh Pingle, Trustees Anupama Barve, Suman Kiloskar, Dr. Srinath Kavade, Balasaheb Shivarkar, Prashant Chavan, among others.
In his address, Diwase emphasized the importance of the flower show, not just as an event but as a cultural festival that draws people from across Maharashtra. “Even before the inauguration, Punekars have gathered here in huge numbers. This is a tradition that Pune holds dear, and it should continue to thrive. Prataprao Pawar and Suman Kirloskar have worked tirelessly to preserve this tradition, and now, many young people are following in their footsteps,” he said. “This three-day event showcases a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees, all planted using new technologies. I encourage all Punekars to visit and experience this wonderful exhibition.”
The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India, which manages the Empress Garden, has been dedicated to fostering a love for nature and environmental consciousness since its founding in 1830. Every January, the society organizes the flower exhibition at the garden, which has evolved over the years from a niche activity to an event enjoyed by all age groups.
In addition to the display of flowers, the exhibition features a range of competitions aimed at engaging the local community. These include contests for artistic flower arrangements, vegetable displays, and creative leaf pot designs. The general public can also display their own flowers from the garden, free of charge. This inclusive approach has helped increase participation and broaden the appeal of the event.
The Empress Garden itself is transformed during the exhibition, with vibrant floral designs, eye-catching pot arrangements, and intricate leaf-and-flower creations. This transformation is one of the main reasons why the flower show is eagerly anticipated each year. Alongside local participants, nursery professionals from cities like Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik, and even Andhra Pradesh, travel to Pune to showcase their finest blooms.
This year, the exhibition features an exciting range of flower arrangements, including Japanese-style designs, bonsai trees, and a stunning array of rose species. One of the highlights is the special competition for children, where young artists compete in painting and handwriting contests. This year, around 1,000 to 1,200 students participated, with the prize distribution ceremony scheduled for 27th January at 5 PM.
The Empress Garden Flower Show continues to be one of Pune’s most cherished events, celebrating nature’s beauty and fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition, enjoy the displays, and take part in the various activities, ensuring that this tradition remains vibrant for years to come.