Dr. Avnish Jolly, Chandigarh, 21st February, 2009 :Chandigarh also known as the Garden city of India, has good collection of beautifully maintained gardens as integral part of the master plan which laid immense importance to provide its residents the atmosphere which keeps them in touch with infinite cosmos and nature.
Chandigarh has the distinction of having world acclaimed Rock Garden and Asia’s largest Rose Garden which are very popular spots of tourist attraction. Some of the other famous gardens of North India in and around Chandigarh are Cactus Garden (Asia’s largest outdoor landscaped Cacti and Succulents Garden), Pinjore Gardens (has great historical significance), Leisure Valley, Terrace Garden etc.
The World famous Zakir Rose Garden is Asia’s largest rose garden. It is in sector 16 next to the city’s cricket stadium. Spread over 30 acres the Rose Garden has over 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 species. It was named after India’s former President, Zakir Hussain. Alongwith the roses emphasis was also given on the trees of medicinal value and some unique specimen trees. Fountains and bright lights enhance its beauty at night and provide a breath of fresh air to all who come to enjoy a walk and unwind. This garden is the venue of the annual Festival of Gardens (Rose Festival). It is amassed with thousands of visitors on Chandigarh Rose Festival every years since 1972. The flowers spreading multi color hues and fragrances all around are welcoming visitors in whopping numbers.
The festival was initiated as a means of encouraging people to visit gardens at this time of the year when the roses are entering full bloom. It has since grown into a much bigger event that now includes cultural performances, live musical nites and dance exhibitions.
The Festival showcases some of the country’s best and biggest rose displays. Every year the festival was marked by various competitions including Rose Prince & Princess, Photography, Kite Flying and Rose Quiz. The main attractions of the day were the scintillating performances of renowned folk dancers and Singers.