Chandigarh is poised once again to showcase it’s illustrious Rose Garden when the annual Chandigarh Rose Festival kicks off on Friday, 24 February, 2012. More than 300,000 visitors are expected to make their way to India’s greenest city, far in the northern expanse of the country, for a glimpse at some of the most colorful, and fragrant roses.

Chandigarh Rose Garden has been divided into 10 sections for the 3 day festival. These sections are not only for roses but also for a children’s play area, scrubs, medicinal plants, a hillock and musical fountains. Meandering footpaths take flower enthusiasts past well groomed flower beds, each marked with it’s species name. Some of the unusual names given to the rose varieties are: Only You, Dulhan, King’s Ransom, Hippie Girl, Love Me Tender, Careless Love, Lover’s Meeting, Delhi Prince, Oklahoma, American Heritage, Louisiana, Canadian Centenary, City of Belfast, Wild Plum and Dorothy Peach.

The 2012 edition of the Chandigarh Rose Festival will also see concerts, musical nights, comedy shows, ‘antakshri’, food streets and various competitions. “Live performances by singers Hans Raj Hans, Priyani Vani and Mohit Chauhan and comedian Uday Dahiya will add charm to the festival,” Chandigarh Tourism Secretary Ram Niwas said.

Children would be crowned ‘Rose Prince’ and ‘Rose Princess’ and there will be a brass and pipe band contest, on the spot painting, rose quiz, folk dances, photography competition and kite flying.

“On the Spot Painting Competition” will be organized on 26 February, 2012. The Competition will be open to following age groups of children:

Group A 5 to 8 years
Group B Above 8 years to 11 years
Group C Above 11 years to 14 years
Group D Above 14 years to 17 years

There is an entry fee of Rs 50 for each participant. Forms can be purchased from the Rose Garden on 22nd and 23rd February, 2012. Each participant will carry painting material and board of their choice. The competition will be held on a theme to be disclosed at the time competition commencement. Participants will also be supplied with refreshments and a small gift as goodwill gesture.

Chandigarh Rose Garden has also referred to in more recent years as Festival of Gardens. The festival will be held for 3 days from 24 to 26 February, 2012, at Chandigarh Rose Garden in Sector 16.