Lalbagh flower show returns with floral tribute to Ganga dynasty

A Blooming Homage

Bengaluru's iconic Lalbagh Botanical Gardens has thrown open its gates for the much-awaited flower show, this time with a distinctive historical twist. The theme for the annual exhibition is a floral tribute to the Ganga dynasty, the ancient ruling house that once held sway over large parts of southern Karnataka.

Visitors were greeted by a riot of colours as marigolds, chrysanthemums, and petunias were shaped into intricate replicas of palace arches, battle standards, and royal insignia. The central pavilion recreated a stylised court scene, complete with floral thrones and ornamental pillars inspired by early medieval architecture.

Celebrating a Lesser-Known Legacy

The Ganga dynasty, which ruled from around the 4th to 11th century CE, is often overshadowed in popular memory by the later Hoysalas and Vijayanagara empires. Yet their contributions to Karnataka's cultural and political landscape were significant, including early patronage of Jainism and the construction of the famous monolithic statue of Gommateshwara at Shravanabelagola.

Curators said the idea was to bring this lesser-known chapter of history to a wider audience. "We wanted to move beyond the usual themes of national festivals or contemporary icons," a garden official explained. "The Ganga dynasty offers a rich visual vocabulary — from their emblem, the elephant, to their distinctive temple architecture."

Floral Artistry and Public Engagement

More than 30 varieties of flowers have been used, with growers from across the state contributing blooms for the week-long event. A team of 40 gardeners and horticulturists spent nearly two months designing and executing the displays, working around the clock in the weeks leading up to the opening.

Besides the main tableaux, the show includes a series of smaller installations depicting daily life under the Ganga rulers — farmers at work, traders in market squares, and Jain monks in meditation. Schoolchildren were seen sketching the displays, while elderly visitors paused to read the informational plaques placed alongside each section.

The event also features a horticultural competition, with categories for the best rose, the largest pumpkin, and the most creative use of recycled materials. Winners will be announced on the final day of the show.

Logistics and Visitor Experience

Entry has been kept affordable, with tickets priced at ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children. The garden authorities have arranged additional parking near the main gates and deployed extra security personnel to manage the expected crowds. Water kiosks and shaded rest areas have been set up along the walking route.

On the opening morning, queues stretched several hundred metres before the gates opened at 9 am. Families, photography enthusiasts, and tourists from other states were among the first to enter. Many said they had been waiting for the show's return, which was cancelled last year due to logistical issues.

What Lies Ahead

The flower show will remain open for the next week, and organisers have hinted at a series of evening cultural performances, including classical music and dance, to complement the daytime displays. If the initial response is any indication, the tribute to the Ganga dynasty may well become one of the most talked-about editions in the show's long history.

For now, all eyes are on the weekend rush, when footfall is expected to peak. The horticulture department has promised to release daily visitor numbers, and officials will assess the public response before deciding on themes for future editions.