Ahmedabad flower show draws fewer visitors despite ₹17 crore spend

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) annual flower show has recorded a significant decline in visitor numbers this year, despite increased expenditure and an extended schedule, raising questions over the event’s planning and public value.

As per the official figures, the civic body spent around ₹17 crore on the flower show this year—₹2 crore more than last year. However, the event attracted only about 11 lakh visitors, compared with nearly 13 lakh visitors in the previous edition, marking a drop of around two lakh attendees.

The flower show, known as one of the city’s major attractions, was held for 29 days this year, making it longer than last year’s event, which concluded on January 26. In contrast, the latest edition was extended by three additional days and continued until January 29. Despite the longer duration, public response remained weak.

The decline in footfall has fuelled criticism from public and civic observers, who argue that large sums are being spent on high-profile events while basic civic infrastructure and essential facilities require greater attention. 

The municipal corporation, meanwhile, has said that the seasonal plants used for the flower show will be relocated across the city after the event. These will be placed in public gardens, traffic circles, road dividers, central verges and other prominent locations as part of the city’s beautification efforts.