CM Nayab Singh Saini Inaugurates 38th Basant Utsav in Panchkula, Cultural Performances Enthrall Audience

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the three-day 38th Basant Utsav at Town Park, Sector-5, Panchkula on March 13, 2026. The festival will be held from March 13 to 15. He said that for the first time in 37 years, the event is being organized on the lines of the Surajkund Mela, enhancing its scale and appeal. The Chief Minister was welcomed in a traditional manner with a turban and drum beats. He visited the flower exhibition and showed interest in cut flower, dry flower and fresh flower sections, and also inspected stalls set up by self-help groups.

During the event, a musical performance was presented under the direction of renowned shehnai player Pandit Lokesh Anand. Cultural performances, including shehnai recital and folk dances from various states, captivated the audience. Several public representatives, officials and a large number of citizens were present.

In his address, CM Saini praised Panchkula as a modern and well-planned city. He said Basant Utsav symbolizes culture, love for nature and social harmony, and has become a major attraction in the state.

Various competitions such as rangoli, painting, pot painting, face painting, tattoo, mehndi, fancy dress and environmental quiz are being organized during the festival, providing a platform for children and youth to showcase their talent.

Emphasizing environmental conservation, the Chief Minister mentioned the ‘Pranvayu Devta Pension Yojana’, under which a pension of ₹3,000 per year is given for the protection of trees older than 75 years. He said that 3,819 trees have been identified so far and around ₹2.05 crore has been provided to their caretakers, while 1,541 additional trees have been identified.

He also said that green areas are being developed under the ‘Oxyvan’ project and work is underway to develop the world’s largest jungle safari in the Aravalli region of Gurugram. So far, 20 Oxyvan sites have been established, where trees are planted on 5 to 100 acres of land.