Ludhiana: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) will transform into a sea of seasonal blooms this week as it hosts the annual “MS Randhawa Memorial Flower Show and Competition.“Scheduled for Feb 26 and 27, the event honours the legacy of Mohinder Singh Randhawa, the university’s former vice-chancellor and a noted botanist who was instrumental in the beautification of Chandigarh and rural Punjab. The show, set near the Manmohan Singh Auditorium, aims to foster community interest in floriculture, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.The event serves as both a public exhibition and a high-stakes competition for gardening enthusiasts across the region. According to Dr. Parminder Singh, Head of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, the contest is open to a diverse range of participants, from casual hobbyists to professional nurseries and govt institutions.Competition CategoriesParticipants will compete across 10 distinct classes, showcasing the breadth of regional horticulture. Fresh and dry flower arrangements will cover artistry with cut blooms. Potted greenery section will put foliage plants, ferns, and meticulously pruned bonsai on show. The contest for hardy varieties will include cacti and succulents, while seasonal displays will cover traditional spring flowers in peak bloom.Event ScheduleThe two-day festival offers a window for both competition and public viewing. Vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal will open the show officially on Feb 26. The winners will be honoured during a formal ceremony on the afternoon of Feb 27. “This show is vital for creating awareness regarding flower growing and the importance of conservation in our urban and rural landscapes,” Gosal said, extending an invitation to all “flower lovers” to witness the display.
