NDMC Chairman and Vice Chairman Inaugurate NDMC Tulip Festival 2026, Welcoming the Colours of Spring in the Capital
Under the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to make the area clean, green, and developed, and as part of the “Viksit Bharat @2047” initiative, the Chairman of New Delhi Municipal Council, Keshav Chandra, and Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, in the august presence of H.E. Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, inaugurated the NDMC Tulip Festival–2026 today at Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. On the occasion, the dignitaries participated in a Tulip Walk and visited the Tulip Exhibition organised by NDMC, which showcased the vibrant blossoms of spring at the heart of the capital.
Chandra Ji,shared that an exhibition based on the history of tulips, their different varieties, and the historical monuments around Shanti Path has also been displayed amidst the blooming tulips. He further added that for the second consecutive year, NDMC has prepared one lakh potted tulip bulbs and made them available for public sale at Shanti Path Lawn, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Central Park, and NDMC nurseries, including Safdarjung Madarsa, Gurudwara Park, and Purana Quila Road.
On the occasion, Shri Chahal said that after receiving overwhelming appreciation from the public over the past three years, NDMC is proud to organise the 4th edition of the Tulip Festival–2026, welcoming the spring season with spectacular floral displays across New Delhi. He informed that NDMC first began planting tulip bulbs in 2017–18 on a trial basis to assess seasonal suitability. Starting with just 17,000 bulbs, the initiative has grown into a landmark annual event, making NDMC the first civic body in India to successfully cultivate tulips in public spaces.
He added that this year, a total of 5,17,500 tulip bulbs were procured, including 3,25,000 bulbs for NDMC and 1,92,500 bulbs for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Of NDMC’s share, approximately 2,25,000 bulbs have been planted at prominent locations, including Shanti Path, Central Park (Connaught Place), Convention Centre, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Sardar Patel Marg, Mandi House, Windsor Place, Sher Shah Suri Marg, and roundabouts near the Vice President’s House. Additionally, around 1,00,000 tulip bulbs have been planted in pots and made available for public purchase. NDMC also planted 15,000 tulip bulbs preserved at the Tulip House Conservation Centre in Lodhi Garden, along with 20,700 bulbs received from CSIR–IHBT Research Centre, Palampur.
Chahal highlighted that such festivals are part of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” and that tulips have become a matter of pride for the country, Delhi, and New Delhi. He mentioned that walking among the blooming tulips with the Ambassador was a delightful experience, during which he also shared several interesting facts about tulips. These tulips have now emerged as a major attraction in the NDMC area. Furthermore, the festival also draws special attention during the India AI Impact Summit, showcasing India’s growing initiatives in technology, innovation, and global collaboration. Chahal appreciated the dedicated efforts of all officers and staff of the Horticulture Department for the successful execution of the festival.
On the occasion, H.E. Ms. Marisa Gerards said: “The journey of the tulip — from Central Asia through the Ottoman Empire to Leiden in the Netherlands — beautifully reflects the journey of friendship between our nations. Today, as these Dutch tulips bloom here once again in Asia, they symbolise not only our shared history but also our growing partnership in trade, innovation, and people-to-people ties. May this festival continue to connect our peoples and celebrate the vibrant bond between our countries.”
Chandra Ji noted that New Delhi is currently adorned with vibrant shades of red, white, yellow, purple, pink, orange, and bi-coloured tulips, creating a spectacular visual display across key NDMC areas. These floral arrangements are attracting large numbers of visitors. For the second consecutive year, NDMC has prepared one lakh potted tulip plants for public sale. They are available at Shanti Path Lawn, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Central Park, and NDMC nurseries, including Safdarjung Madarsa, Gurudwara Park, and Purana Quila Road. He appealed to the public to visit and enjoy the tulip exhibition.
NDMC continues to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing New Delhi’s beauty and vibrancy through various initiatives. The tulip planting project stands as a testament to the council’s relentless efforts to make the capital more aesthetically pleasing and prosperous. This initiative also serves as a model for other civic bodies, demonstrating how urban greenery can transform a city into a more livable and inspiring place. On the occasion, NDMC council member Anil Valmiki, Secretary NDMC Rahul Singh IAS, officers and staff from various departments, along with a large number of visitors, were present to witness and participate in the festivities.
