This spring, four Delhi parks to come alive with stories of ecology, heritage and community at Palaash fest

New Delhi: Spring is just beginning to stir in the capital, and with it comes a festival that will no longer be confined to one corner of the city. The 2026 edition of Palaash Mahotsav is set to unfold as a multi-park experience—from Ashok Vihar to Narela, the Yamuna riverfront to Jasola—each space reimagined with its own narrative of ecology, culture and community.
Scheduled from Feb 14 to 16, the festival is being curated under the guidance of lieutenant governor VK Saxena, with Delhi Development Authority (DDA) undertaking preparations across four distinct landscapes—Ashoka Garden, Smriti Van, Baansera, and Lala Hardayal Park. Officials said the mahotsav will go beyond a conventional flower show, offering visitors an immersive experience. "Each venue will be divided into thematic sections with activities, nature trails and community programmes to make the event more engaging," an official said. In Ashok Vihar, the theme ‘Virasat-e-Hariyali' will celebrate Delhi's green heritage. The park will host a ‘living archive' of flora traditionally nurtured in the city, alongside curated displays titled ‘Tapestry of Blooms'. Nurseries will line a dedicated ‘Heritage Marketplace', offering native saplings and seasonal plants. Officials said public participation will be encouraged through floral rangoli displays, painting competitions, cultural performances and regional food counters, aimed at linking the city's heritage with contemporary community life. The ‘Jeevantarang Van' theme at Smriti Van in Narela is being envisioned as a tranquil experiential zone, featuring the Jeevan Tarang Trail, a guided walk through seasonal canopy zones. Biodiversity showcases will highlight native plant species, while interactive eco-learning corners will explain concepts such as conservation and ecological balance. "Designed as a calm sanctuary, this venue will offer an immersive experience for visitors," another official said.At bamboo-themed park Baansera, ‘Neerangan Yamuna — Yamuna's Green Revival' will focus on the ecological restoration of the riverfront. Designed to place the Yamuna at the centre of public discourse as a critical urban lifeline, the venue will use horticultural storytelling to demonstrate principles of river conservation and sustainable landscape planning. Visitors can explore bamboo trails that illustrate the plant's role in cooling, soil stabilisation and sustainable design. Restoration exhibits will trace how damaged landscapes can be revived through ecological planning. ‘Scenic riverfront reflection points' will offer views of the Yamuna while narrating the park's transformation journey. Lala Hardayal Park in Jasola will host ‘Hariyali Sangam — Community and Nature in Harmony', positioning it as a shared neighbourhood green hub. With cultural shows, workshops and eco-activities, it will highlight everyday role of green spaces in urban wellbeing. Designated sections will feature ‘Sangam Gathering Spaces' for social interaction, simple nature showcases and community-focused activities for children and families. With a nominal entry fee, the festival promises to be a visual treat and an enriching experience, said officials.