Srinagar, Oct 18: The Srinagar’s iconic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) at Lal Chowk came alive on Saturday with a spectacular morning of flowers as the 3rd Gul-e-Dawood (Chrysanthemum) Show–2025, themed “Autumn Flower Festival,” was inaugurated.
Lauding the collaborative efforts of SKUAST-Kashmir, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg (IAS) said that these flowers reflect Srinagar’s growing focus on urban beautification and environmental consciousness.
He said, “Such initiatives inspire citizens to connect with nature and adopt eco-friendly practices.”
The Divisional Commissioner was speaking on the sidelines of the beautiful flower show at Lal Chowk, where hundreds of colourful chrysanthemum varieties and creative floral installations transformed the city centre into a vibrant floral hub.
“Such initiatives breathe life into Srinagar’s public spaces,” the Div Com Garg said.
He said, the Gul-e-Dawood Show not only celebrates nature’s beauty but also encourages citizens to embrace floriculture and sustainable landscaping. “I appreciate the collective efforts of SKUAST-K, SMC and SSCL in making this vision a reality,” he said.
Moreover, as part of a celebration of autumn hues, the historic Ghanta Ghar bloomed into a hub of colours as the festival drew residents, tourists, students, local floriculturists, and flower growers.
The event aims to promote floriculture, environmental awareness, and the aesthetic enhancement of Srinagar.
The Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad, underlined the educational and scientific value of the festival. “Floriculture enhances urban ecosystems and generates livelihood opportunities. Our goal is to connect science with society by promoting awareness about sustainable urban development,” he said, commending SMC and SSCL for their continued support in city beautification.
Also, the commissioner SMC, Faz Lul Haseeb (IAS) described the event as a “symbol of shared vision and civic pride.” He added, “The Autumn Flower Festival showcases Srinagar’s floricultural richness and spreads awareness about urban greening, community participation, and environmental stewardship among citizens.”
It is worth mentioning, the Autumn Flower Festival features hundreds of chrysanthemum varieties, alongside themed gardens, artistic floral arrangements and creative installations encircling the historic clock tower. The vibrant display has turned Lal Chowk into a living canvas of colour, creativity, and community spirit. Officials said the Lal Chowk exhibition serves as a preview of the ‘Grand Chrysanthemum Show’ at SKUAST-Kashmir’s campus, which begins October 20, with tickets now open for public bookings—(KNO)
