20-02-2026 : A curtain raiser for Vasantotsav–2026 was organised at Lok Bhavan on Friday

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Vasantotsav to Commence at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun from February 27 (Friday)

Governor Briefs Media at Curtain Raiser on Vasantotsav–2026 Theme This Year: “Floral Healing: Nature’s Path to Well-Being”

“Bhojpatra” Selected for Special Postal Cover

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 20 February, 2026

A curtain raiser for Vasantotsav–2026 was organised at Lok Bhavan on Friday. Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) shared detailed information about the three-day Vasantotsav, which will commence at Lok Bhavan on February 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The Governor informed that “Bhojpatra” has been selected for issuance of a Special Postal Cover this year. The flower exhibition will remain open to the general public free of cost from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 27, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 28 and March 1, 2026.

He stated that over the past few years, Vasantotsav at Lok Bhavan has emerged as an important symbol of Uttarakhand’s cultural, economic and environmental identity. The festival represents a confluence of nature, tradition and progress, and continues to attract citizens, tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Governor highlighted that Vasantotsav provides a strong platform for local products, handicrafts, traditional arts and agriculture-based produce. It offers artisans, farmers, women self-help groups and young entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase and market their products, thereby promoting self-employment and strengthening the local economy.

He further noted that with the expansion of floriculture in the State and favourable climatic conditions, new opportunities are emerging in the sector. Flower processing and value-added products are contributing to enhanced farmers’ incomes, while such events are also promoting flower tourism and expanding local employment avenues.

Emphasising the cultural significance of flowers in Indian tradition, the Governor said that the spring season symbolises creativity and renewed inspiration. He added that floriculture offers new employment and income opportunities, particularly in hilly and border areas, thereby contributing to a self-reliant economy. Spiritually, flowers symbolise devotion, purity and gratitude.

Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri S.N. Pandey; Secretary to the Governor Smt. Reena Joshi; Director, Horticulture Shri S.L. Semwal; Joint Director, Information Dr. Nitin Upadhyay; and Joint Director, Horticulture Dr. Ratan Kumar were also present at the curtain raiser.
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Major Attractions of Vasantotsav–2026

The festival will feature 15 main competition categories comprising 55 sub-categories. First, second and third prizes will be awarded, with a total of 165 prizes to be presented on March 1, 2026, based on the jury’s decision.

Competitions will include cut flowers, potted plants, loose flower arrangements, bonsai, cactus and succulents, terrariums, honey, hanging pots, rangoli, and painting competitions for school children (5–18 years), Divyang children and others.

For the first time, a Hydroponic Cultivation Technology Demonstration Competition incorporating soil-less technology will be organised.

The Department of Economics, Doon University, will publish a book on floral economics, covering production, processing and marketing of flowers.

Uttarakhand Technical University has developed a dedicated app to record visitor footfall and capture their emotional impressions during the event.

More than 30 State departments will participate, including the Horticulture Department, research institutions, agricultural universities, boards and corporations.

Cultural evenings of one hour each will be organised on February 27 and 28. During all three days, local cultural programmes representing various districts of the State will be held in the Lok Bhavan परिसर.

For the first time, live demonstrations of Rhythmic Yoga will be presented by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities, Dehradun, and Niramaya Yogam Research Foundation, Haridwar.

Bands from the Indian Military Academy, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), PAC, Pipe Band and Home Guards will be key attractions.

The Food Court will feature quality stalls offering millet-based dishes and traditional Uttarakhand cuisine under the theme “Millets and Swad Uttarakhand.”

A stamp exhibition and an art gallery displaying various paintings will also be organised.

Special Initiatives in Vasantotsav–2026

The theme for this year’s festival, “Floral Healing: Nature’s Path to Well-Being,” underscores the role of nature and flowers in promoting mental, physical and social well-being.

Special focus will be placed on the cultural, historical and medicinal significance of Bhojpatra. The event décor, exhibitions, souvenirs and associated literature will reflect this theme.

Under the Governor’s Awards, three outstanding farmers, three outstanding women farmers, and three leading young entrepreneurs working through startups in the field of agriculture and farmers’ welfare will be honoured.

Theme-based painting competitions for school children will be organised on:

1. Floral Healing: Nature’s Path to Well-Being

2. Bhojpatra Tree

3. Cultural Richness and Heritage of Uttarakhand

High-quality dragon fruit and kiwi produced in the State will also be showcased at departmental stalls for promotional purposes.