Sikkim gets ready for the flower show

GANGTOK, Jan. 21: Sikkim would hold an international flower show at Saramsa garden, a popular picnic spot, from 14 to 16 March.

“Representatives of about 30 countries, including Holland, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia, Korea are likely to participate in the event,” said Mr GP Upadhaya, secretary of the state tourism department. “Out of 600 varieties of orchids which are grown here, 300 grow in Sikkim. Exotic flowers like roses, lillium, anthurium, and gladiolus which are also grown here would also be displayed,” Mr Upadhaya added.
Around 500 laborers have been working from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the past two months to make the event a success.

“They are constructing a reception center for the visitors and boundary walls measuring 8 feet high, exhibition halls, cafeterias, walkways, stalls are also being built. Beautification of the compound and illumination is on,” said Mr Prakash Chettri, the superintending engineer of the state tourism department.

A water fountain in double dome format, balancing rock water fountain and musical water fountain constructions are also in progress. “We are also building a permanent open-air amphitheater at the venue,” said Mr Upadhaya.