Lalitpur to Host 19th Chrysanthemum Exhibition Ahead of Tihar

The Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) is set to host the 19th edition of its annual chrysanthemum exhibition in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, aimed at promoting domestic floriculture during the upcoming Tihar and Chhath festivals. The five-day event, scheduled to run from Kartik 12 to 16 (October 29 to November 2), will take place at the Jawalakhel sports ground, according to reports from Kalakarmi, Onlinekhabar, and Gorkhapatra.

Organizers have adopted the slogan, "Plant Chrysanthemums, Decorate Your Home and Courtyard," to encourage local flower cultivation. FAN officials, including Vice President and event coordinator Suman Maharjan, stated that the exhibition serves to support local farmers and reduce dependence on imported flowers during the festive season. The event is expected to be inaugurated by Bagmati Province Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forest, and Environment, Rama Ale Magar, as noted by Onlinekhabar.

Exhibition Details and Competitions

The event will feature 86 stalls, comprising 78 commercial outlets, four official booths, two competitive spaces, a plant clinic, and a photo booth. Visitors can expect to see over 450 varieties of flowers and plants, including new species introduced this year, alongside seasonal staples like marigolds and globe amaranth.

A central component of the exhibition is the competitive display of chrysanthemum varieties. According to Kalakarmi and Onlinekhabar, growers will compete in categories including miniature, spider, reflex, incurve, and cut flowers. This year, organizers have added an "Excellent Flower Decoration" category to the cut flower segment. Winners across various categories will receive cash prizes, shields, and certificates.

To assist home gardeners and aspiring entrepreneurs, the event will provide technical guidance on production and plant management. A dedicated "plant clinic" staffed by pathology experts will also be available for attendees to consult on plant health and pest control. Additionally, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Global Floriculture, a blood donation program is scheduled for the third day of the exhibition.

Economic Projections

FAN estimates that the event will attract over 39,000 visitors and generate more than NPR 13 million in transactions. Regarding the broader industry, Onlinekhabar reported that the association estimates over 325 hectares of land are currently dedicated to floriculture across Nepal, with total investments in the sector exceeding NPR 11.5 billion. The exhibition is intended to act as a milestone for the industry's commercial promotion and market expansion.