Raj Bhawan prepares to host Vasantotsav in March

Adorned with assorted flowers, the Raj Bhawan is preparing to host the state's biggest flower festival Vasantotsav on March 5-6.
46 varieties of flowers have been put up for display at the lawns leaving not a single patch without a splash of colour, a Raj Bhawan official said.
Flowers with medicinal qualities have also been put up for the show as part of an initiative by Governor Krishna Kant Paul with a view to stimulating general public to explore flowers' commercial viability, the official said.
The event's first-day cover, to be brought out by India Posts, will feature'Amesh'plant which grows on the icy slopes of Uttarakhand in sub-alpine climatic conditions in the month of March-April and is known for its medicinal values.

Rich in vitamins, the bushy plant, also called seabuck-thorn, was chosen for the first-day cover by Paul himself to create awareness among people about its many qualities and promote its commercial cultivation in the state, the official said.
The Governor will inaugurate the festival on March 5.
On the next day, the Governor will give away prizes to winners of competitions held as part of the two-day event.
Exotic flowers like tulips and the Bulgariandamask rose have also been put up for display at the event this year at the behest of the Governor to encourage their commercial cultivation as they have the potential to improve people's standard of living.