The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee opened the annual "Udyanotsav” of the Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 15, 2014).

The Mughal Gardens will remain open for general public from February 16 to March 16, 2014 (except on Mondays which are maintenance days) between 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs.

The main attraction of this year’s Udyanotsav are Tulips which will be planted in phases. About 5000 Tulips in colours of red, orange and yellow mixed with red and white will be in full bloom. Flower Carpets in magnificent designs will be also on display in the central lawns revealing the skills and flower craft of the gardeners of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The dominant colour scheme of this year’s ornamental flowers is yellow. A small cactus corner forms part of the Mughal Gardens display as in previous years. Plant lovers will be able to see a new method of soil less farming (aquaponic cultivation) of vegetables and house plants along a vertical wall. The unseasonal rains have not caused too much damage to the Gardens.

The entry and exit for the general public will be from Gate No. 35 of the President’s Estate, close to where North Avenue meets Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visitors are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, umbrellas, eatables, etc. Such articles, if any, will have to be deposited at the entry point.