14th Panjab University Rose Festival started today 

Chandigarh, February 7, 2025: 14th Panjab University (PU) Rose Festival started today with great fanfare and enthusiastic public participation at the PU Rose Garden. Thousands of people thronged PU on the first day of the three-day Mega Rose Show and took part in various competitions.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig inaugurated the Rose Festival. As many as 116 rose varieties and 3,500 rose plants are being showcased at the PU Rose Garden.

PU Dean of University Instructions Prof. Rumina Sethi, PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, Sh. Anil Thakur (XEN), Er. Amandeep Singla (Assistant Engineer - Horticulture), along with officers, teachers, and a large number of staff members and students, participated in the inaugural function. The Panjab University Rose Festival is a one-of-a-kind event where all teaching and non-teaching employees, their families, and students participate with full enthusiasm.

Prof. Vig and other dignitaries also visited various exhibitions organized by Natural Biodiversity, Enactus, the Department of Zoology, Ankur School, Govt. Home Science College, and the Department of Environmental Science, among others. As a noted scientist, Prof. Vig showed a keen interest in the exhibitions on themes such as the environment and waste management. She also appreciated the ambiance of the garden and the efforts made by the Horticulture Division in organizing such a wonderful show. The other dignitaries also praised the Horticulture Division for maintaining the garden and organizing such a grand event.

A Flower Competition was also held today, with 400 participants displaying their flowers in 92 different categories. Numerous stalls were set up, showcasing a variety of items such as automobiles, food, books, handicrafts, and health care products, drawing large crowds.

Visitors enjoyed performances by folk artists, including Nachhar, Kachhi Godi, and Stick Walkers, arranged by the Director of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration, and the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala. The artists came from states such as Haryana and Rajasthan. In the evening, a Himachali Nati performance was followed by a performance by Sh. Jagjit Wadali, as well as the Mr. & Miss Rose Competition, held at the Old Convocation Ground.
Children enjoyed the games at various stalls, including the Ball Game, Ring Stall, Bottle Games, Balloon Shooting, and Tombola. The children and youth also enjoyed rides such as the Joint Wheel, Columbus Boat, Caterpillar, Mickey Mouse Car, Jeep, and Jumping.