Mysuru: The annual Flower Show will be held at the iconic Mysore Palace from Dec. 21 to Dec. 31, 2024, offering visitors an exquisite experience of nature’s artistry.

Organised by the Mysore Palace Board, this annual event — tenth this year — will feature a dazzling array of flowers, innovative floral models and cultural highlights.

The Flower Show will be open to visitors and tourists daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with evening Palace illumination from 7 pm to 9 pm, adding a magical touch to the entire venue. Entry to the Flower Show is free for children below 10 years,  Rs. 10 for children above 10 years and Rs. 30 for adults and foreigners.

The event will be inaugurated on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5 pm by Mysuru District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy and a host of other dignitaries.

According to a media release by Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, the sprawling Palace will turn into a floral wonderland for 11 days and the Palace will glow under the brilliance of its famed electrical illumination, adding an enchanting aura to the floral extravaganza.

25,000 flower pots

This year, approximately 25,000 different types of decorative flower pots, including Marigold, Salvia, Dahlia, Petunia, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Celosia, Nasturtium, Anthurium, Verbena, Geranium, Casuarina, Aster, Gaillardia, Splendour and Bonsai plants will be displayed.

In addition, over 35 other varieties of flower plants, as well as an estimated 6 lakh various flowers such as Roses, Chrysanthemums, Ping pong, Carnations, Alstroemeria, Gerbera, Anthurium, Orchids, Blue Daisy and other decorative flowers, along with cut flowers from Ooty, will be showcased.

Captivating floral models

The highlights of the floral displays include the model of Akshardham Temple at New Delhi (50 ft wide, 16 ft long, 25 ft high), Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Lord Nanjundeshwara of the famed Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple in Nanjangud, models of an eagle, baby elephant, tortoise and the royal emblem of Gandabherunda.

In addition, there will be Bandipur-inspired wildlife floral models, featuring six animals and four birds, a selfie point with a hat and a mango design, Kargil War Memorial and Constitution Preamble models and a floral entrance to the Doll House or Bombe Mane.

Also, a floral model depicting the five guarantee schemes of the Karnataka Government will be on display. All the signboards inside the Palace will be decorated florally to mark the 10th Flower Show.

To ensure freshness, flowers and vegetables will be replaced midway through the event. Additionally, the Varaha Garden will be adorned with a vertical garden using specially procured plants.

Special initiatives

This spectacular celebration of nature and culture promises to enthral thousands of tourists and visitors, making it a must-visit event in Mysuru’s calendar. From the inaugural day of Dec. 21 till Dec. 25, there will be different cultural programmes every evening. 

The Bombe Mane will feature doll displays by Geetha Srihari: Shankaram Loka Shubhamkaram, C. Jayashree Nagaprasad: Sarvashakti Swaroopini Narayani, Hemalatha Kumaraswamy: Karnataka Vaibhava Suvarna Sambhrama, Annapoorna Gopalakrishna: Bhagavata Krishna Leelamrutha and Leelavathi: Devi Leelamrutha.

Specially selected photographs will be displayed that include works of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, Dasara — then and now, and a film about Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and the Mysore Palace. Also, the 2025 calendar will be released and there will be a tree-planting programme.

As a symbolic gesture, 500 medicinal plants, including Aloe Vera, Tulsi, Jasmine and Betel leaf, will be distributed to dignitaries and visitors. Classical instrumental music, featuring compositions by Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, will enrich the viewing experience.