Bougainvillea festival: NBRI invites entries for event in Mar

Lucknow: National Botanical Research Institute is all set to host Bougainvillea Festival 2026 on Mar 14–15 at the Central Lawn of the historic Botanic Garden. Bougainvillea festival this year will be different in that it will be like a flower show dedicated to the flower, with public displaying their home-grown collections and competing to win prizes. The two-day event will be open to visitors on Saturday from 12 noon to 5.30pm and on Sunday from 10.30am to 5.30 pm. "NBRI's bougainvillea collection has been developed and conserved since 1960s. The festival will showcase a wide range of varieties, including newly developed types, alongside displays featuring vibrant colour palettes, distinctive forms, bonsai specimens and topiary creations," said Ajit Kumar Shasany, NBRI director.He said competitive categories were announced for individuals, institutions and nurseries. Entries will include single-pot displays of different coloured bougainvillea, multi-grafted varieties, variegated leaf types, bonsai, topiary, landscaping ideas and coloured photographs."Certificates will be given to all participants, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in all classes. The overall winner will receive the Director General's Trophy," said Shasany, adding, "Bougainvillea Festival is a celebration of India's rich floricultural heritage and scientific innovation. CSIR-NBRI played a pioneering role in developing new bougainvillea varieties for over six decades.