Fruit and Flower show to be held at Kadri Park from January 23; floral ‘Vande Bharat’ train to be the highlight

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 22, 2026: A fruit and flower exhibition will be held at Kadri Park from January 23 to 26 under the aegis of the Dakshina Kannada district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Horticulture, Kadri Park Development Committee, and Siri Horticulture Association. A replica of the Vande Bharat train made entirely of flowers will be the special attraction this year.

The exhibition will be inaugurated on January 23 at 4 pm in the presence of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, with the district in-charge minister, MLAs, MPs, presidents of various academies, and other public representatives also participating. From January 24 to 26, the exhibition will be open to visitors from 8 am to 8 pm, said Zilla Panchayat CEO Vinayak Narwade.

Speaking at a press conference at Kadri Park on Wednesday, he said that around 15,000 flower plants of more than 30 varieties—such as salvia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, dianthus, aster, vinca rosea, cockscomb, dahlia, petunia, torenia and others—have been grown in pots for the exhibition. A vegetable kitchen garden has also been created.

Artists will display artworks made from fruits and vegetables highlighting the importance of the district and eminent personalities from various fields. The exhibition will also feature ornamental plants, bonsai plants, and ikebana flower arrangements. Displays and sales of value-added honey products, along with exhibition stalls from various departments, will also be set up.

The entry fee has been fixed at ₹30 for adults and ₹20 for children. Students arriving in uniform along with school teachers will be allowed free entry. While about 50,000 people visited the exhibition last year, over 60,000 visitors are expected this year, he said.

Joint Director of the Horticulture Department Shashidhar H., Kadri Development Committee members K. Rama Mugrodi, G.K. Bhatt and Jagannath Gambhir, Siri Horticulture Association vice-president Bharathi Nirmal, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture Pramod C.M., Pradeep D’Souza, K. Praveen, Siri Horticulture Association member Vaikuntha Herale, and Harishchandra Adka were present.

Elaborating on the main attraction, Vinayak Narwade said that an artistic replica of the Vande Bharat train is being created using flowers of various colours. The train will have three coaches and will be 24 feet long, while the track will extend 30 feet. A floral Mickey Mouse and a selfie point will also be set up. Additionally, the Horticulture Department will sell vegetable saplings at ₹1 each.