Multiple hotels have taken over the banks of the Rupnarayan River. The burden of multiple bridges has also pressed down on the river. And caught between these two, most of Kolaghat's picnic spots are on the verge of disappearing. As a result, tourists have also turned away.
However, Kolaghat's flower fair has largely dispelled the disappointment of those tourists. The fair was inaugurated on Saturday. The Gouranga Ghat square on the banks of the Rupnarayan has been adorned with a total of 1,500 flower pots, including national flowers from 40 countries.
This fair at Gouranga Ghat, organised by a local voluntary organisation and some flower enthusiasts, entered its eleventh year this time. The fair was inaugurated by octogenarian flower expert Goshtobihari Bera from Kola village in Kolaghat. Preparations for the flower fair began four months ago. Twenty-five flower enthusiasts from Kolaghat carefully cultivated colourful flowers like chrysanthemums, dahlias, incas, gerberas, and marigolds in pots for four months.
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This year's fair features a collection of foreign flowers alongside domestic ones. Flower collector Nimai Guria has collected national flowers from 40 countries. These were flown in by air and displayed at the fair. Additionally, various flowers from 20 other countries have found a place in the fair.
Such as South Africa's Bird of Paradise, Italy's White Oriental Lily, Afghanistan's Tulip, Japan's Chrysanthemum Green, and many other varieties. These flowers are unfamiliar to many people. The fair has a total of 1,500 flowers. The names and descriptions of the flowers are written on the pots. The names of those who cultivated the flowers and those who collected them also shine brightly on the flower pots.
From the moment of inauguration, flower enthusiasts and tourists have been flocking to the fair. No one wants to miss the opportunity to get acquainted with unknown flowers and take selfies.
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Dr. Shyamal Adak, who is involved in flower care, says, "The weather was very adverse this year. Despite that, we have been able to make flowers bloom. Many people are coming to Kolaghat attracted by the flowers."
Flower enthusiast Swapan Maji has cultivated flowers in 70 pots. In his words, "The joy of blooming flowers with one's own hands is different. And when people find joy seeing those flowers, the happiness doubles." Sabita Chakraborty, who came to the fair from Howrah, says, "There are no good picnic spots in Kolaghat anymore. So we don't come that way much. But I never miss this flower fair any year. My heart was filled seeing the foreign flowers." Asim Das, one of the key organizers of the flower fair, informed that it's hard to find people who don't love flowers. Many tourists came to the fair on the very first day. Five veteran flower growers from the area were felicitated today. The fair will continue until January 10.
While leaving the fair, suddenly floated to the ears, someone humming, "The flower says, blessed am I. Blessed am I upon the earth..."
