A two-day Chrysanthemum & Coleus – 2025 flower show commenced today at the Central Lawn, Botanic Garden of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri M. Devraj, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Department of Appointment & Personnel, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in the presence of Dr. A.K. Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI.

Providing details about the event, Dr. K.J. Singh, Principal Scientist and Convener of the show, informed that a total of 95 exhibitors are participating this year, presenting 671 exhibits. The show attracted a large number of visitors on the opening day, reaffirming its popularity among the residents of Lucknow.

The exhibition offers a unique platform for the general public to admire the aesthetic beauty of Chrysanthemum and Coleus while also gaining scientific insight into their diversity and cultivation practices. Visitors are witnessing an extensive display of Chrysanthemum varieties, showcasing a wide spectrum of colours, forms, and flower types—an experience rarely available at a single venue. In all, 75 unique Chrysanthemum germplasm varieties are on display during the show.

An information counter has also been set up to disseminate details about the CSIR Floriculture Mission, a national initiative of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, implemented across various states. Flower growers, farmers, and entrepreneurs interacted directly with CSIR-NBRI scientists to seek technical guidance on floriculture-related issues. Beneficiary farmers of the CSIR Floriculture Mission actively participated in the event and showcased as well as sold their farm produce and flowers at the exhibition venue.

The winners of select Memorial Trophies and Challenge Cups announced include:

King of the Show (Class E-1: Large-flowered Chrysanthemum, single plant with single bloom):
Saubhagya Srivastava, Celebrity Garden, Ansal

Queen of the Show (Class E-2: Small-flowered Chrysanthemum):
Alfred Gomes, La Martiniere College, Lucknow

Prince of the Show (Class E-3: Spider Chrysanthemum, single bloom):
Mishika, Devlok Colony, Nilmatha, Lucknow

Earlier, expert panels of judges evaluated the exhibits across various sections of the show. The exhibition was open to the general public today from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM and will remain open on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

The flower show will conclude on December 21, 2025, with a prize distribution ceremony scheduled at 4:00 PM. Shri Dinesh Pratap Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Horticulture, Marketing, Foreign Trade and Agri-Exports, Government of Uttar Pradesh, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri Mahendra Kumar Gupta, Joint Secretary (Administration), CSIR, New Delhi, will attend as the Guest of Honour.