August 22 Megastar Chiranjeevi Garu: 70 Years, 1 Celebration, and Safe ePay Day

 

 

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 10^th Birthday -April 11 2026

 ------------------------------

August 22 Megastar Chiranjeevi Garu: Parallel Milestones in Cinema and Safe ePay Day

Megastar Chiranjeevi celebrated his 70th birthday on August 22, 2025, with family in an undisclosed location, away from Hyderabad.

Heartfelt wishes poured in from celebrities like Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, while fans celebrated the icon's legacy in Telugu cinema

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Megastar Chiranjeevi Garu at 70 – A Cinematic Journey Intertwined with India’s ePayment Revolution 💳🎬

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Introduction

On August 22, 2025, India celebrated the 70th birthday of Megastar Chiranjeevi Garu, an actor who has ruled Telugu cinema for over four decades. Known for his versatility, mass appeal, and ability to reinvent himself, Chiranjeevi Garu is more than just a movie star—he is a cultural icon.

As fans, family, and industry colleagues showered him with love, the celebrations reflected the impact he has had both on and off screen (Deccan Chronicle, 2025). ✨

Interestingly, Chiranjeevi Garu’s cinematic journey parallels another dramatic story—the evolution of India’s electronic payments (ePayments). From the cheque-dominated era of the 1980s to the explosive rise of UPI today, the progress of digital transactions mirrors the transformation of cinema itself.

This blog explores how Chiranjeevi Garu’s landmark movie releases align with milestones in India’s ePayments revolution, offering a nostalgic yet futuristic perspective.

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The Early 1980s – Stardom Begins 🌟

• Film Milestone: Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982) marked Chiranjeevi Garu’s rise as a relatable family hero, followed by Khaidi (1983), which cemented his mass superstar image (Wikipedia).
• Payments Milestone: Around this time, India introduced MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) technology in cheque clearing, speeding up transactions that earlier took days (IRJHIS Journal, 2024).

Just as Chiranjeevi Garu became a household name, Indian banks were learning to “speak faster” with MICR-enabled cheque processing. Both cinema and payments were entering a new phase. 🎥➡️🏦

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The 1990s – Fantasy and Reliability 🌈

• Film Milestone: Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990) became one of the biggest blockbusters in Telugu cinema history, showcasing fantasy elements and Chiranjeevi Garu’s unmatched screen presence (Wikipedia).
• Payments Milestone: The Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) was introduced in the early 1990s, making recurring payments like salaries, pensions, and dividends smoother (Naapbooks).

Reliability became the keyword—audiences relied on Chiranjeevi Garu for entertainment, and citizens relied on ECS for financial regularity. 🔄💼

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The Early 2000s – Experimentation with Technology 💻

• Film Milestone: Anji (2004), though delayed, was a landmark as the first Indian film with 3D digital graphics, earning the National Award for Best Special Effects (Wikipedia).
• Payments Milestone: By the 2000s, credit and debit cards were on the rise in India, bringing convenience and early forms of cashless living (IRJHIS Journal, 2024).

Both cinema and payments embraced technology—with Chiranjeevi Garu experimenting in film visuals, and banks pushing plastic money as a modern convenience. 🎞️💳

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2016–2017 – The Big Comeback 🔥

• Film Milestone: After almost a decade-long break, Chiranjeevi Garu returned with Khaidi No. 150 (2017), a blockbuster remake that reminded audiences of his action-packed charisma (Wikipedia).
• Payments Milestone: Around the same time, India launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in April 2016, enabling instant, 24/7 mobile transactions (Ministry of Finance).

Both comebacks were historic—Chiranjeevi Garu redefined mass cinema, while UPI redefined how Indians paid. The idea of a Safe ePay Day (April 11, proposed) could well celebrate this turning point. 📱🔒

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2019–2022 – Epic Scale ⚔️

• Film Milestone: Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) showcased Chiranjeevi Garu in a grand historical role, grossing over ₹240 crore worldwide (Wikipedia).
• Payments Milestone: By FY 2023–24, UPI transactions accounted for over 70% of digital payments, surging from 92 crore in FY 2017–18 to 13,116 crore (Ministry of Finance).

Just as Chiranjeevi Garu’s films grew more spectacular in scope, India’s ePayments exploded in scale and reach. 🌍🚀

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2025–2026 – Looking Ahead 🚀

• Film Milestone: Chiranjeevi Garu’s upcoming Mega157 is set for Pongal 2026, keeping fans eagerly waiting (Times of India).
• Payments Milestone: India’s ePayments are projected to triple in volume from 159 billion in FY 2023–24 to 481 billion in FY 2028–29 (PwC India, 2024).

The future promises bigger blockbusters—both in cinema halls and in digital wallets. 🎬📲

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Highlights of Chiranjeevi Garu’s 70th Birthday 🎂

• Ram Charan’s Tribute: His son and actor Ram Charan penned an emotional note, calling him an “everlasting inspiration” (Deccan Chronicle).
• Industry Wishes: Stars across Indian cinema shared messages, celebrating his four-decade legacy.
• New Film Buzz: A glimpse of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu was revealed, exciting fans (Deccan Chronicle).
• Legacy Recognition: Media retrospectives highlighted his National Awards, Nandi Awards, and his pivotal roles in socially conscious films (Deccan Chronicle).

The celebrations underlined not just his star power, but also his role as a bridge between generations of cinema lovers. 🌟

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Conclusion

Chiranjeevi Garu’s journey, from a rising star in the 1980s to a megastar at 70, beautifully parallels India’s digital payments journey—from cheques to UPI to a cashless future.

Both stories are about reinvention, resilience, and relevance. Just as audiences trust Chiranjeevi Garu to deliver unforgettable cinema, citizens now trust ePayments for safe, seamless transactions. 💫

In the grand narrative of India’s modern history, Chiranjeevi Garu and ePayments stand as twin symbols of progress—one lighting up the silver screen, the other empowering everyday financial life.

From “Khaidi” to Safe ePay Day, from silver screen magic to digital wallet convenience—the journey continues. 🎥💳✨

 

• Appeal  for Safe ePay Day 🌟

 

## 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.

 

 

7 Tips for a Stress-Free Visit to the 218th Lalbagh Flower Show — Metro, Glasshouse, Lake & Safe ePayments

  🚇💳The 218th Lalbagh Flower Show is blooming in Bengaluru — a colourful tribute this year to freedom fighters Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna. The show runs from 7–18 August 2025, so with only four days left and the next three days being holidays, expect bigger crowds. Here’s an expanded, travel-friendly guide that mixes practical tips, a little local history (Glass House & Lalbagh Lake), and smart Safe ePayment reminders. 🌼✨ Deccan HeraldThe Times of India

 

 

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

 

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🌿 Quick snapshot: what to know before you go

• Dates & timing: Flower show runs across 7–18 Aug (typical public hours through the day). Plan around mornings/late afternoons to avoid peak crowds. Deccan HeraldLifestyle Asia
• Theme & scale: This edition features large thematic displays honoring Rani Chennamma & Sangolli Rayanna and uses millions of flowers in elaborate arrangements. Expect huge, Instagram-worthy installations near the Glass House. The Times of India+1

The actual tips start now, yes there are only Seven Tips to come back from the flower show with lots of awesome memories.

🌸 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Visit to the 218th Lalbagh Flower Show — Metro, Glasshouse, Lake, Weather & Safe ePayments 🚇💳☔

The 218th Lalbagh Flower Show is in full bloom — this year paying floral tribute to freedom fighters Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna. Running from 7–18 August 2025, it’s already eight days in, with only four days left. The next three days are holidays, so crowds will swell.

But don’t worry — with a little planning, you can navigate the metro, enjoy the Glass House, stroll the lake, dodge the worst of the monsoon showers, and keep every payment quick and safe.

Yes, a little planning will go a long way.

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🌿 Quick Snapshot: What to Expect

• Dates: 7–18 August 2025
• Theme: Grand floral installations honoring Rani Chennamma & Sangolli Rayanna
• Venue highlights: Iconic Glass House, Lalbagh Lake, bonsai & topiary gardens, heritage rock with Kempegowda tower
• Weather alert: Yellow alert through August 18 for moderate to heavy rain & gusty winds (30–50 km/h). Expect cloudy mornings, afternoon thunderstorms.

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1️⃣ Ride the Metro — Easiest & Quickest 🚇

Skip traffic and parking stress — take Namma Metro’s Green Line to Lalbagh Metro Station. You’ll be within minutes of the garden gates.

Pro tip: Check which station exit lines up with your preferred gate — it can save you a 10-minute walk in the rain.

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2️⃣ Preload Your Metro Card & Go Cashless 💳

Recharge your Metro Smart Card or buy tokens ahead via UPI, cards, or wallets. Inside the show, most stalls accept Safe ePayments — faster than fumbling with change.

Rain note: Network congestion during peak crowds can slow UPI — carry a small cash backup.

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3️⃣ Time Your Visit Around the Weather ☀️☔

• Best window: 6 AM–10 AM — mornings are usually drier, cooler, and less crowded.
• Avoid: 11 AM–4 PM — afternoon showers & peak holiday crowds collide.
• Stay late? Aim for early evening after a rain spell — gardens get fresh, and sunset light is beautiful.

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4️⃣ The Glass House — Centrepiece of the Show 🌺🏛️

Built in 1889 and modelled after London’s Crystal Palace, the Glass House is Lalbagh’s floral stage. This is where you’ll see the grandest arrangements, including this year’s tribute installations.

Photography tip: Morning light is gentle and makes colours pop; afternoons can have glare unless it’s cloudy (which August often is).

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5️⃣ Lalbagh Lake & Quiet Corners 🌊🌳

The lake is a peaceful break from the bustle — perfect for spotting birds or taking a snack break under a tree. Nearby are the bonsai gardens and shaded benches — ideal places to wait out a rain shower.

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6️⃣ Dress & Pack for the Monsoon 🌦️

• Rain gear: Compact poncho or light waterproof jacket — better than umbrellas in tight crowds.
• Footwear: Waterproof sneakers or sandals that dry quickly.
• Bag prep: Use rain covers or ziplock bags for phone, camera, and metro card.
• Clothes: Quick-dry fabrics; avoid heavy denim.

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7️⃣ Exit Calmly & Dry 🚇🌙

Recharge your Metro card before leaving so you can walk straight into the station. If there’s a downpour at closing time, wait it out by the lake or in covered pavilions — better than jostling in wet queues.

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📅 Quick Weather Outlook (Aug 14–18, 2025)

• Aug 15 (Fri): Cloudy, storm in afternoon — 26°C / 20°C
• Aug 16 (Sat): Cloudy, breezy, thundershower later — 26°C / 21°C
• Aug 17 (Sun): Cloudy, a couple of thundershowers — 26°C / 21°C
• Aug 18 (Mon): Cloudy, afternoon storm — 26°C / 21°C

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✅ Final Checklist — Smooth, Dry & Stress-Free

• 🎫 Metro card loaded, small cash backup
• 🔋 Phone charged + portable charger
• 🧥 Poncho or light rain jacket
• 👟 Waterproof or quick-dry shoes
• 💧 Water bottle + light snacks
• 📍 Meet-up point planned (Glass House or Lake bench)

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Bonus Tip: Planning for the Rain — 7 Weather-Wise Visit Tips

Integrating the weather forecast into your itinerary ensures a smoother, more enjoyable flower show experience:

Tip	Strategy
1. Visit Early, Before Heavier Rain 🌅☂️	Mornings (6–10 AM) are relatively dry — perfect for exploring the Glass House and capturing photos. Avoid afternoons when thunderstorms hit.
2. Pack Smart Rain Gear 🧥☔	Bring a compact waterproof jacket or poncho instead of relying solely on cumbersome umbrellas, which can be tough to maneuver in crowds.
3. Waterproof Your Tech Bag 🎒📱	Carry rainproof covers or resealable bags for your phone, camera, and metro card. Post-splash protection = stress relief!
4. Dress for Humidity and Showers 👕👖	Choose quick-dry, breathable outfits. Shorts or 3/4 pants and breathable tees help you stay comfy even when the monsoon humidity creeps in.
5. Footwear that Dries Fast 👟💧	Waterproof sneakers or well-drained sandals are ideal for navigating garden paths after rain — avoid soaked shoes at all costs!
6. Use Weather-Ready Metro Plan 🚇🌧	Rain may slow roads or cause waterlogging, but the metro remains fluid. Metro access is your escape route — just be mindful of possible rushing crowds post-storm.
7. Choose a Rain-Skipper Route 🌳🌼	Start at the Glass House (covered and iconic), then detour to shaded areas or lakeside spots (like the lake or Bonsai corner) when showers begin. Sit out in breeze zones under trees until the next window opens.

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Quick Recap: Weather + Flower Show Synergy

• Rain threatens your perfect view — go early and smart.
• Carry rain gear that’s easy and compact — ponchos top umbrellas for crowded gardens.
• Leverage metro for reliable access and exit — avoid road delays due to waterlogging.
• Plan route around covered or sheltered zones — Glass House, lakeside benches, and Bonsai area are calm refuges.

 

Final Thought:
The Lalbagh Flower Show is more than flowers — it’s Bengaluru’s monsoon magic in full colour. Ride the metro, plan around the clouds, use Safe ePayments to keep queues short, and let the gardens do the rest. 🌸

    Appeal  for Safe ePay Day 🌟

 

## 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.

 

 

 

 

Lalbagh Flower Show 218th Edition: Full Guide to Bengaluru’s Iconic Floral Event

  

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 10^th 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).

 

🌸 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.

 

🏛 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.

 

🚶‍♀️ 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.

 

🏵 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).

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Ticket Insights

Beyond garden entry, the flower show requires separate tickets. Over the years, prices incrementally rose:

🎟 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 🌟

 

## 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.