BENGALURU: The 205th edition of Lalbagh Flower show has something special for the visitors. Artists under the leadership of Yasvanth Kumar, a city-based landscape specialist, have made a replica of the forest, which is drawing a lot of visitors.
The presence of 10 tribals from Bedaguli forest, Chamarajnagar, makes the ‘forest area’ at Lalbagh even more attractive. The visitors can talk to these tribals and learn about their lifestyle in the forest. The creation is supported by the Forest Department.
It has animal replicas, huts and vessels of tribals, tree house, etc. “While working on the design, we wanted to give a real idea of the forest life to the visitors. That’s why we also decided to invite tribals to the event,” said Yasvanth. However, most of the tribals who were invited for the event, were not very comfortable facing the crowd. For many of them, it was the first trip outside jungles.
“The way of talking, dressing, gestures; every thing is different here. Initially, we were scared. Our people are not like this. We collect forest produce, sell them and lead a simple life,” said tribal Jagadappa.
Group leader Shivanna said many in the group are scared to face the crowd, especially women and children. They have never been to a city before. “Forest gives everything to us. We don’t need to go out anywhere,” says another tribal Siddagowda.
“Interaction with the tribals will break all stereotypes. People from cities treat tribals like aliens. They are humans like us and this flower show gave me a unique chance to talk to them and understand their life and behaviour,” said Suresh M N from Basavanagudi. Along with Yasvanth Kumar, Rishi Nursery and Nice Garden from the city made the creation possible.