The Dasara Flower Show opened at Kuppanna Park in Mysuru on Sunday, drawing crowds to a floral replica of the Vidhana Soudha that serves as the event’s centerpiece. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the display after the traditional Mysuru Dasara celebration atop Chamundi Hills.
The replica, measuring about 57 feet wide and 31 feet tall, was constructed from red and golden‑yellow flowers. Officials reported that around 200,000 red roses and 4,000 kilograms of chrysanthemum were used, and the structure is housed inside a Glass House that also features a replica of the national emblem and the constitution.
The show emphasizes democratic themes, with floral arrangements illustrating compulsory voting, first‑time voters, accessible polling stations, ballots, electronic voting machines, control units, polling booths, and secret ballots. These motifs are displayed throughout Kuppanna Park, reinforcing the message of civic participation.
In addition to the political symbolism, the Glass House showcases a variety of bonsai and flowers such as Rex Begonia, Cockscomb, Spathiphyllum, Poinsettia, Impatiens, Gloxina, Carnation, and Ixora. Hundreds of sprinklers protect the blooms from wilting, and the flowers will be refreshed on October 16, according to a Department of Horticulture official. Other attractions include a floral sculpture of environmentalist Salu Marada Thimmakka, a replica of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, and a flower‑decorated Hampi Stone Chariot, all of which drew visitors from Bengaluru, Kerala, and Kollegala.
Meanwhile, the Lingambudhi Botanical Garden hosted its own flower show, inaugurated by District‑in‑charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah in the evening. The entrance gate featured an artistic elephant display and Janur art, a traditional Indonesian weaving technique. Highlights of the garden show included bamboo products, flower pots, and thermocol artwork depicting Chavundaraya’s Basadi and Bahubali, conveying messages of peace, non‑violence, and simplicity.
