The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has launched the third edition of its annual tulip festival, bringing a floral display to the city. This year, 350,000 tulip bulbs have been planted across multiple locations, with the largest concentration at Shanti Path in Chanakyapuri. The festival is set to run until February 23, offering visitors a chance to witness an array of colourful blooms.
According to reports, a significant portion of the 325,000 tulips have been imported from the Netherlands, strengthening the Indo-Dutch horticultural partnership. Around 15,000 tulips have been cultivated domestically in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. These Indian-grown tulips have undergone specialised storage and multiplication processes facilitated by the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The tulips have been named ‘Maitri’ (meaning friendship), symbolising the growing cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
While the majority of tulips have been planted at Shanti Path (146,000 bulbs), others adorn various locations, including 20 Delhi Development Authority (DDA) parks, Lodhi Garden, Connaught Place’s Central Park, Talkatora Garden, and several roundabouts across the city. These locations now showcase a mesmerising mix of red, yellow, white, purple, and orange tulips, providing ample opportunities for visitors to take photographs and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Reports further indicate that, for the first time, the NDMC has made 100,000 potted tulips available for public sale. Visitors can purchase a single potted tulip for INR 89 or a set of three for INR 217. Besides, an exhibition has been organised at Shanti Path, showcasing informative displays about the history of tulips and nearby monuments, enhancing this floral festival's overall experience.
(With inputs from multiple reports)
