23-05-2025
48th summer festival kicks off in Yercaud with week-long flower show and cultural events
The 48th edition of the Yercaud Summer Festival and Flower Show was inaugurated on Friday by Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, and Tourism Minister R. Rajendran in the presence of Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Panneerselvam said the State government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has been implementing several welfare schemes, including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, which provides ₹1,000 per month to over 1.15 crore women. Other initiatives such as Vidiyal Payanam and the Breakfast Scheme were also highlighted. He noted that under the backyard garden initiative, 15 lakh households across Tamil Nadu had received vegetable seeds and benefitted through the horticulture department.
The week-long flower show and summer festival at Anna Park features over 50,000 roses sculpted into forest-themed displays, including elephants, deer, monkeys, and other animals. A replica of the Mettur Dam's 16-shutter spillway, made with 73,000 roses, is a key attraction.
Awareness-themed installations created from over 6,000 carnations and roses highlight topics such as waste management and biodiversity. Cartoon character displays and selfie points have been created to attract children and families.
More than 30,000 flower pots have been arranged, and decorative lighting enhances the park's visual appeal. Several government departments have also set up stalls exhibiting horticultural produce and value-added products.
Mr. Rajakannappan spoke about welfare schemes for forest-dwelling communities and noted that more than 20,000 students and residents had selected the Oriental Darter as Salem district's bird.
Mr. Rajendran said the festival helps boost local tourism and showcases Yercaud's natural charm. He expressed confidence that this year's event would attract larger crowds and offer a memorable experience for visitors from across the State.
