The governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh inaugurated the three-day Vasantotsav-2024 at the Raj Bhawan on Friday. Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi, Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj, the governors wife Gurmit Kaur and chief secretary Radha Raturi were also present during the inauguration.  Singh released a special postal cover on the thuner plant on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that the beauty and speciality of flowers in Uttarakhand will help it become a flower State. He expressed confidence that Vasantotsav will also provide encouragement to those involved in agriculture and horticulture while also providing a fillip to local products. According to officials, as part of the competition in Vasantotsav, there are 528 participants in the cut flower (traditional) category, 179 in the cut flower (non-traditional), five in cut flower (Divyang), 18 in potted plants (private nursery), 54  in loose flower, 24 in potted plants (non-floral), 29 in rooftop vegetable production, 19 in cactus and succulents, 14 in bonsai, 12 in terrarium, 19 in hanging pots, two in hydroponic cultivation, 62 in on the spot photography, 34 in honey, 30 in floral rangoli and 762 in painting competition. There were a total of 1,811 participants competing in 15 categories and 53 sub categories in the event. Further, a total of 360 stalls have been put up by individuals and organisations at the event venue. The first day of Vasantotsav also saw performances by bands of IMA, ITBP, PAC and Home Guards along with folk dancers from Almora. Jawans of the Gorkha Rifles displayed their physical and mental strength with a khukri dance while students of Dev Sanskriti University exhibited various Yoga postures. The governor also interacted with students from various schools who participated in the painting competition. He also viewed the floral exhibition and sought information at various stalls.

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