Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday inaugurated the three-day 38th Basant Utsav at Town Park in Sector-5 of Panchkula, marking a major cultural and environmental event in the region. For the first time in its 37-year history, the festival is being organised on the pattern of the renowned Surajkund International Crafts Mela, giving it a larger and more vibrant format. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also reopened Asia’s largest cactus garden, which had remained closed for nearly a year due to maintenance.
The Chief Minister received a traditional welcome at the venue with a ceremonial turban, accompanied by the beats of drums and traditional musical instruments. During his visit to the festival grounds, he toured the flower exhibition and showed keen interest in a wide variety of flowers displayed under different sections including cut flowers, dry flowers and fresh flowers. Saini also visited stalls set up by self-help groups and appreciated the locally manufactured products displayed there.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Chief Minister said that Basant Utsav reflects the spirit of Indian culture, love for nature and social harmony. He said the festival has emerged as a major attraction for people from across the state. Describing Panchkula as one of Haryana’s most well-planned and modern cities, he said the city represents a perfect blend of natural beauty, clean surroundings and organised development. According to him, the Basant Utsav has further enhanced the beauty and charm of the city.
Highlighting the various activities planned during the festival, the Chief Minister said a number of competitions have been organised to make the event more engaging for visitors. These include flower arrangement contests, cut flower displays, rangoli competitions, painting competitions, pot painting, face painting, tattoo art competitions, environmental quizzes, mehendi competitions and fancy dress events. He congratulated all the participants and said such competitions provide an important platform for talent while also encouraging creativity among children and youth.
Saini further stated that India is blessed with diverse seasons, each bringing new energy and inspiration. He said Indian culture has always maintained a deep connection with nature and seasonal cycles, which is why different festivals are celebrated throughout the year to welcome seasonal changes. According to him, Basant Utsav inspires people to view life from a fresh perspective and reminds society that change is a natural process which ultimately leads to progress.
Speaking on environmental issues, the Chief Minister noted that the entire world is currently facing serious challenges such as global warming and environmental pollution. He stressed that the only sustainable solution lies in protecting nature and strengthening ecological balance. He said the Haryana government is continuously working towards environmental conservation by expanding green cover, promoting water conservation and preserving biodiversity.
Referring to a unique initiative of the state government, Saini highlighted the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, under which trees that are more than 75 years old are eligible for an annual pension of ₹3,000 for their upkeep. He informed that 3,819 such trees have already been identified across the state and their caretakers have been provided pension assistance amounting to ₹2.05 crore so far. In addition, another 1,541 trees have recently been identified for inclusion in the scheme.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s initiative to develop “Oxyvan” green spaces across Haryana. Under this project, trees are planted across areas ranging from five to one hundred acres to create large green lungs for urban regions. So far, twenty Oxyvans have been established in the state. Work on new Oxyvan projects is currently underway in the Bir Ghaggar area of Panchkula and along the Old Badshahi Canal in Karnal, where rare and medicinal plant species are also being planted.
Linking environmental protection with tourism and economic development, Saini said the Haryana government is also working on developing what is expected to be the world’s largest jungle safari in the Aravalli region of Gurugram. He said the project will not only contribute to wildlife conservation but will also boost tourism and generate employment opportunities for local communities.
Referring to the provisions made in the state budget for the financial year 2026-27, the Chief Minister said the government plans to implement the Haryana State Agro-Forestry Policy to promote tree cover and support the plywood industry. Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, large-scale plantation drives will be conducted on panchayat and public lands. The government also plans to notify and conserve sacred groves across the state. Additionally, a deer park will be developed on 100 acres of forest land in Hasanpur village of Karnal district at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore.
Calling upon citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment, Saini urged people to adopt the spirit of Basant Utsav as a symbol of renewal and collective responsibility towards nature. He expressed confidence that the Panchkula Basant Utsav will grow into a much larger cultural celebration in the coming years and establish a distinct identity across the country.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority, K. Makarand Pandurang, extended greetings to the attendees and congratulated them on the festival. He said that just as new leaves and blossoms appear during spring, Haryana too is moving forward on the path of modern development and progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He added that such cultural events provide valuable platforms for local artists and artisans while also promoting tourism and strengthening the local economy.
