Panchkula– Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the three-day 38th Vasant Utsav Panchkula 2026 at the Town Park in Sector-5, Panchkula, marking a historic edition of the festival. For the first time in its 37-year history, the Utsav has been organized on the lines of the Surajkund Mela, adding a new dimension to the celebration.
On the occasion, the Cactus Garden, Asia’s largest, which had remained closed for nearly a year for maintenance, was reopened to the public. The Chief Minister was welcomed in traditional style with ceremonial turban, dhol-nagadas, and musical instruments. He also visited the flower exhibition and interacted with self-help groups displaying their products during the festival.
आज पंचकूला में आयोजित 38वें वसंत उत्सव के शुभारंभ अवसर पर शामिल होकर अत्यंत हर्ष की अनुभूति हुई। यह उत्सव प्रकृति की सुंदरता, हमारी समृद्ध संस्कृति और सामाजिक समरसता का जीवंत प्रतीक है।
37 वर्षों में पहली बार इस उत्सव का आयोजन तीन दिनों तक और सूरजकुंड मेले की तर्ज पर किया जा रहा… pic.twitter.com/pWj4VSClT2
— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) March 13, 2026
Cultural Celebration and City Enhancement
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said the Vasant Utsav Panchkula 2026 is a vibrant celebration of culture, love for nature, and social harmony. “Panchkula represents a unique blend of modernity and tradition,” he stated, adding that the Utsav further enhances the charm and beauty of the city. The festival has become a major attraction for visitors across Haryana, showcasing floral displays, handicrafts, and cultural exhibits.
Competitions to Foster Creativity Among Youth
To make the Utsav more engaging, various competitions have been organized, including floral decoration, cut flower displays, rangoli, painting, pot painting, face painting, tattoo making, environment quizzes, mehendi, and fancy-dress competitions. The Chief Minister emphasized that such activities under Vasant Utsav Panchkula 2026 provide a platform for talent and help nurture creativity among children and youth.
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Promoting Environmental Awareness
CM Saini highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, noting the challenges of global warming and pollution. As part of the Vasant Utsav Panchkula 2026 initiative, the Haryana government is promoting green cover, water conservation, and biodiversity protection.
Under the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, an annual pension of Rs 3,000 is provided for the maintenance of trees over 75 years old. So far, 3,819 trees have been identified, and Rs 2.05 crore has been disbursed to those maintaining these trees, with 1,541 more trees recently identified.
Oxyvans Initiative for Cleaner Air
The government has also launched 20 Oxyvans across the state, where trees are planted over 5 to 100 acres of land to improve air quality. Work is underway at Bir Ghaghar in Panchkula and along the Old Badshahi Canal in Karnal, including the planting of rare and medicinal species to promote a healthier environment.
The Vasant Utsav Panchkula 2026 not only celebrates culture and seasonal beauty but also emphasizes environmental responsibility, public participation, and community engagement, reinforcing Panchkula’s image as a modern, green, and well-planned city.