Tulips, an inseparable part of Kashmir's beauty, are a favourite of President Pranab Mukherjee who came out to Mughal Gardens for the first time this season today to witness the manicured lawns which will open for public from tomorrow.
"I have started to like tulips. They are in full bloom," he said when asked about his favourite flower as he inaugurated 'Udyanotsav-2015' here today.
The President said he has come to the Mughal Gardens after two months as he was confined to his study by the doctors because of his illness.
"That (the day he was advised to rest) was December 13, 2014. Today it is February 13, 2015. So it is exactly two months after which I have come to Mughal Gardens. That was Saturday. Today is Friday," said a smiling Mukherjee.
Wearing shades, the President took special interest in tulips, about 10,000 of which in vivid hues of red, yellow, pink, orange mixed with purple and white have given a taste of Kashmir to iconic Mughal Gardens this season. Thanks to the favourable weather.
"This year we have doubled the tulips seeing their success last year. We took special care to ensure that tulips, which are extremely sensitive to weather conditions, are planted in such a way that they are at their peak when gardens open for public. Weather also supported our efforts," U D Kukreti, OSD Horticulture at Rashtrapati Bhavan, told reporters.
People can get some of the feel of the famous tulip gardens of the Kashmir Valley when they visit the Mughal Gardens during next 20 days, Upreti said.
"Main attraction of Udyanotsav-2015 are tulips which have been in bloom since last week of January, 2015. They are about to bloom in phases upto March 10, 2015," he said.
Besides tulips, it is for the first time that special pond has been created for lotus in the spiritual gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
