New Delhi, February 23 (NationPress) - The NDMC Tulip Festival–2026 was officially launched by Keshav Chandra, the Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), alongside Marisa Gerards, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, at Shanti Path on Monday.

Joining them were NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal and Council member Anil, who participated in a Tulip Walk and explored the vibrant Tulip Exhibition organized by NDMC, displaying the colorful blooms of spring in the bustling capital.

Chandra revealed that the exhibition also included a showcase dedicated to the history of tulips, highlighting their various types and the historical sites surrounding Shanti Path, all set against the backdrop of blooming tulips.

He also mentioned that for the second consecutive year, NDMC has prepared 100,000 potted tulip bulbs for public sale at locations such as Shanti Path Lawn, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Central Park, and several NDMC nurseries, including Safdarjung Madarsa, Gurudwara Park, and Purana Quila Road.

Chahal remarked that following positive public feedback over the past three years, NDMC is excited to host the fourth edition of the Tulip Festival–2026, celebrating the arrival of spring with stunning floral displays throughout New Delhi.

He recounted that NDMC initially began planting tulip bulbs in 2017-18 on a trial basis to test their seasonal adaptability.

Starting with just 17,000 bulbs, this initiative has now evolved into a significant annual event, establishing NDMC as the first civic organization in India to cultivate tulips in public areas successfully.

This year, a total of 517,500 tulip bulbs were acquired, comprising 325,000 bulbs for NDMC and 192,500 bulbs for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

From NDMC's allocation, approximately 225,000 bulbs have been planted at key 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, about 100,000 tulip bulbs have been planted in pots available for public purchase.

NDMC also planted 15,000 tulip bulbs at the Tulip House Conservation Centre in Lodhi Garden, along with 20,700 bulbs sourced from CSIR–IHBT Research Centre in Palampur.

Chahal emphasized that such festivals align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', signifying pride for the nation, Delhi, and New Delhi.

He expressed his joy in walking among the blooming tulips with Ambassador Gerards, sharing intriguing facts about tulips during their stroll.

The tulips have become a notable attraction in the NDMC region.

The festival also garners special attention during the India AI Impact Summit, reflecting India's growing endeavors in technology, innovation, and global partnerships.

Chahal acknowledged the hard work of all officers and staff in the Horticulture Department for successfully executing the festival.

Ambassador Marisa Gerards stated, "The journey of the tulip—from Central Asia through the Ottoman Empire to Leiden in the Netherlands—beautifully illustrates the friendship between our nations."

"Today, as these Dutch tulips bloom here once again in Asia, they symbolize not just our shared history but our expanding relationship in trade, innovation, and cultural exchanges," the Ambassador remarked.

"May this festival continue to unite our peoples and celebrate the vibrant connection between our countries," she added.