A Annual Rose and Gladiolus Show–2026, organized by CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, was thrown open to the public on January 24, 2026 at the CSIR-NBRI Botanic Garden. The show was inaugurated by Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi, Chairperson, National Testing Agency (NTA), New Delhi, in the presence of Dr. Radha Rangarajan, Director, CSIR-CDRI and Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI.

Dr. K.J. Singh, Convener of the Flower Show, informed that competitions were organized under eight classes (A–H) covering cut flowers, specimen blooms, floral arrangements, potted plants and photography, with participation from institutions, nurseries, individual growers, women, gardeners and students. Sections included Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, Polyantha, Miniature roses and Gladiolus, with First, Second and Third prizes, along with Director’s and Director General’s Trophies for overall excellence.

This year, 73 exhibitors from Lucknow and outstations showcased 510 entries. CSIR-NBRI has been organizing the Annual Rose & Gladiolus Show for more than six decades to popularize floriculture in the north Indian plains and to educate plant lovers about diverse varieties.

Major attractions included the CSIR-NBRI Pavilion displaying rose and gladiolus germplasm, institute-developed technologies, herbal products, bonsai, threatened plants, cacti, succulents, Aloe vera and other ornamentals. An awareness corner of NBRI-EIACP highlighted pollution management through plants.

Among the prize winners, Mrs. Rani Upsam (Hotel Clarks Awadh, Lucknow) won multiple awards for Best Hybrid Tea Red, Bicoloured and Yellow Roses. HAL, Ayodhya Road, Lucknow received awards for Best White and Best Fragrant Orange HT Roses. Janeshwar Mishra Park, LDA won Best Lavender-Mauve HT Rose, while Mrs. Rekha Devi, Alambagh received the Best Gladiolus Spike award.

The show concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony. Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Dr. Bhaskar Narayan, Director, CSIR-IITR and Dr. P.K. Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP were Special Guests. A total of 16 trophies and 187 general prizes (60 First, 66 Second and 61 Third) were awarded. CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow won the First General Prize, followed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Lucknow and Vedansh Agrawal, Mahanagar, Lucknow. Vedansh Agrawal also received the prestigious Director General’s Trophy for highest scorer of the show.

While addressing the gathering, Prof. Joshi emphasized the importance of urban greenery, the emotional and psychological benefits of flowers, and the role of scientific institutions in promoting sustainable urban living. Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany thanked participants and citizens for making the event a success, while Dr. K.J. Singh proposed the vote of thanks.

On the same occasion, CSIR-NBRI formally released a new gladiolus variety ‘NBRI-Pushpangadan’, developed through controlled hybridization of ‘Neelima’ and ‘Yellowstone’ and dedicated to the Late Dr. Palpu Pushpangadan, former Director of CSIR-NBRI. The variety flowers in 90–112 days, bears tall spikes with 12–19 attractive reddish-purple florets with distinctive markings, and is well suited for commercial cut flower production.

The release of the new variety and the successful organization of the Rose and Gladiolus Show once again highlighted CSIR-NBRI’s leadership in floriculture research, conservation and public outreach.