(Tribune)
The Spring Festival 2017 today kick-started amid cultural performances and variety of flowers, vegetables, fruits bonsai, medicinal and potted plants visible in the lawns of Raj Bhawan.Governor KK Paul inaugurated the festival and exhorted people to feast their eyes on the diversity of horticulture on display. “This event is a welcome change from the hurly and burly of life, I exhort you all to nurture flowers and vegetables in your homes,” Paul said as he went through the flower exhibits and vegetables put on display for the competition.He also released the first day postal cover carrying the pictorial representation of Badri Tulsi.A small cultural show comprising Kukhri dance by the Army and yogic exercises by students from Haridwar left everyone mesmerised.Several hobbyists have put up their exhibits on display in a variety of interesting pots, bamboo containers and beautifully decorated crates that were innovatively put into use. “I have used this plastic box to grow ajwain, strawberries and other spices. It is so easy to pluck them and use them in the kitchen,” said Harnam Kaur, a hobbyist.