Shoolini’s flower fest blooms bigger, draws 500+ visitors in spring showcase

Solan, March 17
Over 500 visitors attended Shoolini University’s annual three-day Flower Fest, where more than 200 varieties of flowers grown at the university’s farms were showcased.
The event was inaugurated by the former head of the Forest Department in Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Pankaj Khullar. With extensive experience in forestry administration, Khullar has worked across planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of forestry and soil conservation projects.
Adding to the occasion, another guest, Durlabh Singh Puri, a life member of the Royal Horticultural Society (UK), appreciated the efforts behind organising the Flower Fest and highlighted its larger impact.
“The initiative encourages people to grow plants and understand nature more closely,” he said. Sharing his personal preference, Puri said Begonia is his favourite plant, adding that it teaches growers valuable lessons in plant care, including how to deal with pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions.
The flower fest also saw enthusiastic participation from school students, with groups visiting from St. Luke’s School (Solan), Solan Public School, Geeta Adarsh Vidyalaya (Solan), and St. Mary’s Convent School (Kasauli). Adding to the excitement, a lucky draw was held during the event, with 25 visitors receiving flower tokens.
This year’s edition showcased more than 200 varieties of flowering plants, including orchids, anthuriums, pink quill, bromeliads, ranunculus, birds of paradise, and begonias. Creative installations and decorative arrangements by students and staff added an artistic layer. Some plants were sourced internationally, including the Christmas Cactus from China, while seeds were imported from Germany and Italy.
Director, Landscape and Innovative Projects Mr. Suresh Sharma spoke about the festival’s growth over the years. “When we started, the festival showcased nearly 20 plant varieties. Over the years, it has grown significantly. This year marks the 13th Flower Fest, with more than 200 varieties on display, including around 10–15 rare and exotic species,” he said.
Sustainability remained central to the event. Installations made from waste materials demonstrated how discarded items can be repurposed into functional, visually engaging displays.
Director of Sustainability and Community Engagement, Mrs. Poonam Nanda, appreciated the efforts of the students who helped organise and manage the fest.
The event was also attended by the university’s leadership, including Chancellor Prof P K Khosla, Pro-Chancellor Mr. Vishal Anand, Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, Trustee and Vice President Ms. Avnee Khosla, and Trustee and Director Mrs. Nishtha Shukla Anand.