The flower show organised by the Horticulture Department at Shravanabelagola during Mahamastakabhisheka has been attracting around 2,000 visitors daily. The artists hired by the department have depicted the different phases of Lord Bahubali’s life, a floral dragon, a bust of Bahubali made of millets, a replica of Savira Kamba Basadi (Thousand Pillar Basadi) of Moodbidri, and a Bahubali statue made of fruits, among other things.
The government had allocated ₹50 lakh for the flower show. The department hired a team of artists with experience in working for the Republic Day flower show at Lalbagh in Bengaluru. “We got a good team of artists — Harsha, Taresh and Prakash. They have made the flower show special,” said A.B. Sanjay, Deputy Director of Horticulture in Hassan.
As the department had to spend money on getting water supplied and lights put up, the total expenditure crossed ₹70 lakh. “We had to purchase water and make arrangements for lights. Earlier, we had not thought of power requirement as we were planning to close the show by evening. However, we changed the plan as huge crowds were expected only in the evening,” the official said.
The visitors are welcomed by a replica of Lord Bahubali’s statue at the entrance. The fight between Bharat and Bahubali, which ended in the latter renouncing the kingdom, is explained in four models. Another replica of Bahubali’s statue has been made of millets. The department has fixed an entry fee of ₹5. “We fixed the entry fee considering the expenses on the flower show. The quality of the work done is not inferior to the flower show at Lalbagh”, Mr. Sanjay said.
