Pages to petals: Writer Tejaswi to come alive at Bengaluru’s Lalbagh flower show

Bengaluru: The distinctive botanical and zoological motifs that colour the works of celebrated Kannada writer KP Poornachandra Tejaswi will come alive — almost literally — at this year's Republic Day flower show at Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

The 11-day show, themed Tejaswi Vismaya, will be inaugurated on Jan 15 and conclude on Republic Day (Jan 26).

The horticulture department, which hosts the annual event, said the theme was chosen to pay tribute to Tejaswi's multifaceted personality. "Beyond his literary legacy, Tejaswi was a farmer's ally, a rationalist, an artist and even a veena player. This year, we aim to recreate his life and world through flowers and foliage, in consultation with fellow writers, his daughters and KP Poornachandra Tejaswi Trust," said Jagadeesh M, joint director (parks and gardens).


Key attractions will include a colourful statue of Tejaswi, replica of his home and a landscaped waterfall evoking Malnad region that deeply influenced his writing. Elements from his popular work Karvalo, including characters such as Mandanna and the famed Othikyatha (forest lizard), will also be recreated using a variety of flowers.

"We are striving to strike a balance between flowers and greenery to reflect Tejaswi's deep bond with nature. Special varieties of flowers will be sourced from across India and overseas, though finer details are still being finalised," Jagadeesh said, adding that ticket prices are yet to be decided.

Tejaswi's daughter Eshanye KP said the tribute is deeply moving. "It is heartening to see his life and work celebrated in this manner. Tejaswi continues to connect with younger generations. Many people visit our home to experience the world he lived in, and this flower show will offer that glimpse to those who cannot, inspiring them to explore and rediscover his works," she said.

In 2017, the Independence Day flower show at Lalbagh honoured the life and works of Tejaswi's father, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, with replicas of his home at Kuppali and Kavishaila.