The Citizen Advocate Summary: Declaring
April 11 as Safe ePay Day
Proposing April 11 as Safe ePay
Day to mark UPI’s pilot launch on April 11, 2016, by NPCI with 21 banks,
initiated by Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan in Mumbai. This initiative celebrates UPI’s
seamless integration of banking and merchant payments.
April 11 – Declare ‘Safe ePay
Day’,
Yes, April 11 is vacant in the UN
Observance Day calendar
UPI
10th Birthday -April 11 2026
Lalbagh Flower Show
218th Edition: Blossoms, Beauty, and Bengaluru Charm
The 218th edition of the Lalbagh
Flower Show (August 7–18, 2025)
honors Karnataka’s freedom
heroes—Kittur Rani Chennamma and
Sangolli Rayanna—with
elaborate floral recreations of the Kittur Fort and portraits of the leaders.
The show, drawing over one million visitors, is staged across Lalbagh Botanical
Garden and showcases hundreds of thousands of blooms in a spectacular tribute (The
Times of India, oneindia.com).
Lalbagh
Flower Show 2025 – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
This isn’t just a flower
show—it’s a centuries-old Bengaluru tradition that blooms twice a year, around Republic
Day (January) and Independence Day (August). Created during Hyder
Ali and Tipu Sultan’s era and inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, the Glass
House has held the show for over a century. The garden covers 240 acres and is
filled with heritage, lush greenery, and beautiful blooms (Wikipedia, Tarriq
Salaam).
๐ธ Lalbagh Flower Show 2025 – Where
Bengaluru Blooms Twice a Year
Every year, Bengaluru’s Lalbagh
Botanical Garden transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors — not once, but
twice. The Lalbagh Flower Show is an event that has been charming locals
and tourists alike for over a century, timed with India’s two major national
celebrations: Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August
15).
This tradition began during the
British colonial era, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace exhibitions, and has
evolved into a uniquely Indian celebration of nature, art, and community. The
organisers take care to ensure the show runs long enough to cover two
weekends, so no matter your schedule, there’s a fair chance to catch it at
its peak.
๐ A Walk-Through History
Lalbagh itself dates back to the
18th century, commissioned by Hyder Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan. The Glass
House, modelled after London’s Crystal Palace, became the heart of the
flower show in 1912. Since then, every edition has been a blend of seasonal
blooms, artistic arrangements, and a touch of cultural storytelling.
In earlier days, the show was
mostly about showcasing rare and exotic flowers. Over time, it’s become an
inclusive, family-friendly event — with themed displays paying tribute to
freedom fighters, cultural icons, and historic landmarks, all crafted entirely
out of flowers.
๐ถ♀️ The Journey In
This year’s entrance wasn’t
over-the-top — no towering arches or massive cutouts — but the understated
approach worked. You pass through neatly kept pathways lined with small floral
borders. The real magic unfolds as you head towards the Glass House,
where bursts of red, yellow, pink, and white greet you from every
direction.
By the time you step inside, the
transformation is complete — you’re in a living art gallery.
๐ต Inside the Glass House – Design
Meets Comfort
The 2025 layout struck a balance
between spectacle and space:
- Wide central aisles for easy movement, even
during the weekend rush.
- Circular walking routes to ensure smooth
crowd flow and no missed displays.
- Corners dedicated to selfie spots,
freeing up space in the main exhibition area.
The air inside feels cooler and
calmer thanks to the open design, and the arrangement of blooms — from towering
floral sculptures to delicate bonsai corners — encourages you to slow down and
take it all in.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning (6–9 AM): Entry
is free for walkers and joggers, and you’ll get that peaceful,
fresh-morning vibe (Tripoto,
Tarriq
Salaam).
- The Lalbagh Glass House opens at 9.00am,
and if you are an early visitor, you can buy the tickets directly the
Glass House and walk in.
- You will be rewarded with minimal crowds,
ample time to see the awesome exhibits, click wonderful photos.
- Late afternoon or weekday visits
offer softer light for photos and fewer crowds (Agoda,
Tataneu).
- Avoid peak weekend afternoons if
you prefer more space and breathing room inside the Glass House.
Inside the Glass House
Step inside and you’re surrounded
by vibrant, intricately designed floral creations. This year’s layout
thoughtfully balances drama and flow:
- Wide paths and circular
navigation help crowds move smoothly.
- Photo zones prevent traffic
jams.
- There are no seating zones inside
the Glass House to offer rest when wandering gets tiring. Technically
speaking, there is no need of seating zones instead the Glass House.
Comfort & Amenities
To make your visit relaxed:
- Food stalls offer everything
from local snacks to juices.
- Free water kiosks
keep you comfortably hydrated.
- Shaded benches
give you time to pause and admire the decor.
- Restrooms are conveniently placed near
entrances and high-traffic areas (Agoda,
Tarriq
Salaam).
Tips from Locals
- Several visitors recommend going early—**7–8
AM on a weekend or on a Friday—to avoid heavy crowds (Threads,
Reddit).
- Prefer weekdays
over weekends for a more peaceful time and smoother experience (Reddit).
- in general: “arrive early… by 10 AM it
starts filling up” (Tripoto,
Agoda).
GPS-Worthy Highlights
Beyond the Flowers
Take a short detour to experience
lesser-known treasures within Lalbagh:
- The Bonsai Garden, Topiary
Sculptures, Flower Clock, Lalbagh Lake, and ancient
rock with Kempegowda's watchtower are all photographic musts (Tarriq
Salaam, Wikipedia, FlowerAura).
These quiet corners offer a break
from the crowds—it’s great to explore them if time allows.
Transport & Timing
Essentials
- Opens daily from 6 AM to 7 PM, with
free access for early-morning walkers (Tripoto,
Tarriq
Salaam).
- The Lalbagh Metro Station on the Green
Line is a convenient, accessible entry point (Wikipedia).
- For cars, nearby parking is available at
Al-Ameen and other nearby locations—but public transport is usually
smoother (Tripoto).
- Consider taking tour packages, which
often include guided access and timed entry—a smooth way to fit everything
in (Tataneu).
Ticket Insights
Beyond garden entry, the flower
show requires separate tickets. Over the years, prices incrementally rose:
๐ Tickets
& Trends
Prices have gone up over the years, but remain affordable
compared to similar exhibitions globally:
Year |
Adult Price (Weekday / Weekend) |
Child Price |
Notes |
2021 |
₹20 – ₹70 |
~₹20 |
Pandemic-year variability |
2022 |
₹70 – ₹100 |
₹20–30 |
Slight variations across sources |
2023 |
₹70 – ₹75 |
₹25 |
Some reports list single adult price |
2024 |
₹80 / ₹100 |
₹30 |
Consistent across sources |
2025 |
₹80 / ₹100 (also ₹70 / ₹80 reported) |
₹20–30 |
Conflicting reports; check official site |
*Some report lower weekend
rates—check the official Karnataka Horticulture site before you go.
Digital Ease & Safety
From tickets to snacks, more
vendors now accept UPI, cards, and QR payments. Just be sure to:
- Verify the merchant’s name before paying.
- Prefer mobile data over public Wi-Fi.
- Keep payment alerts active for fast fraud
detection.
Final Notes - ✨ Final Word
The 2025 Lalbagh Flower Show is
an immersive lullaby of blooms, featuring tributes like arrangements honoring Rani
Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna (The
Times of India). It’s a beautiful, richly layered experience—best savored
slowly, with a water bottle in hand and sunscreen on your nose.
The Lalbagh Flower Show is
more than an exhibition — it’s a tradition that has managed to keep its
heritage alive while adapting to modern needs. The blooms change, the themes
evolve, but the essence remains: a celebration of beauty, community, and nature
at the heart of Bengaluru.
Plan your visit, go cash-light,
and give yourself time to wander — because Lalbagh rewards those who linger.
- Appeal for Safe ePay Day ๐
## Call to
Action
I urge
governments, financial institutions, businesses, and communities worldwide to
join hands in declaring April 11 as **Safe ePay Day**.
Let’s
celebrate UPI’s milestone by making **Safe ePay Day** a global movement for
secure, innovative fintech.
Together, we
can build a future where financial access is universal, and every e-payment is
safe—starting with **Safe ePay Day** in 2026.
No Vada Pav, not even one bite,
Till SafeePay Day takes off in flight.
Quirky vow with a Mumbai flair—
Announce the date, and I’ll be there!
Disclaimer: - The only Joy is
Safe ePayments. Nothing More – Nothing Less.
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