Lucknow: Lucknow’s green heart, Janeshwar Mishra Park, will witness a vibrant confluence of culture, art, and environmental consciousness as the city hosts the Rose Festival 2026 at the newly inaugurated Rose Garden, Gate-6. Spanning 15 acres and set to become India’s second-largest rose garden, the event will mark a milestone in Lucknow’s urban green initiatives, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly urban spaces.
Organized by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and initiated by the Repertwahr Foundation, a cultural organization founded in 2009 by theatre practitioners Bhoopesh Rai and Priyanka Sarkar, the festival will blend cultural celebration with environmental responsibility under the guiding thought of “Love for the Environment.” The one-day festival will transform the park into a dynamic stage for art, dialogue, and ecological action, aiming to inspire the next generation to engage actively with nature.
Immersive Environmental Experiences
The festival will feature several immersive experiences designed to educate, engage, and motivate action:
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Awareness-to-Action Visual Environment Gallery: Visitors will explore a visual environment emphasizing the critical role of trees in air quality improvement, biodiversity, climate regulation, and urban health. The gallery will showcase live demonstration corners presenting the Miyawaki Afforestation Method, enabling rapid, dense forest creation and encouraging community participation.
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Miyawaki Mini-Forest Project: Attendees will be invited to plant trees, contributing to a dense, sustainable mini-forest that will serve as a lasting ecological legacy. The initiative will promote biodiversity, afforestation, and community engagement, leaving a tangible mark on the park and the city.
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Breath Farming Project: As part of the initiative, visitors will receive saplings to take home, promoting tree plantation beyond the festival grounds and cultivating a culture of shared responsibility for urban greenery and clean air.
Curated Environmental Sessions
The festival will curate two knowledge-driven session streams, led by Rudy Singh, filmmaker, writer, and podcaster known for environmental storytelling and community-driven dialogue:
Session 1: Listening to the Earth – Trees, Water, and Stories That Can Still Save Us
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Dr. V. Ramakantha, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Forests at Heartfulness, will share decades of experience in large-scale afforestation and biodiversity initiatives, combining science with long-term ecological vision.
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Ramveer Tanwar, the “Pond Man of India,” will discuss the revival of ponds and wetlands, groundwater recharge, and the importance of community-led ecological action.
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Tanishaa Mukerji, actor and founder of STAMP Foundation, will highlight her environmental drives and tree-plantation initiatives, demonstrating how public influence can translate into ecological impact.
Session 2: Listening to the Future – Young Voices, Climate Truths, and the Courage to Act
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Amit Sial, actor and social advocate, will emphasize leveraging public presence for environmental awareness and action.
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Ishan Shanavas, wildlife advocate, author, and photographer, will share insights from his memoir “The Light of Wilder Things”, documenting seven years exploring India’s wild landscapes.
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Dr. Chinu Kwatra, founder of the Khushiyaan Foundation, will address the intersection of social welfare and environmental responsibility.
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Udit Gupta, climate communicator, will demonstrate how storytelling, history, and science can mobilize the next generation for climate-conscious action.
Lifestyle, Art, and Culinary Engagement
The festival will offer a rich cultural and lifestyle palette, creating a holistic experience:
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Lifestyle & Artisanal Pop-Up Market: Homegrown brands, sustainable products, and artistic installations will create a vibrant, immersive aesthetic, blending commerce with conscious consumption.
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Food Stalls: A curated mix of local flavors and contemporary culinary offerings will ensure visitors experience the city’s diverse gastronomic heritage.
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Workshops: Hands-on workshops including pottery and interactive arts will engage attendees of all ages, combining creativity with environmental messaging.
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Culture
The Rose Festival 2026 will exemplify the fusion of cultural vibrancy and ecological responsibility. By integrating interactive experiences, afforestation projects, and environmental storytelling, the festival will transform casual spectators into active participants in urban sustainability. Zero-waste policies, participatory initiatives, and educational sessions will ensure the festival leaves an impact beyond celebration, encouraging visitors to carry forward the principles of environmental stewardship into their neighborhoods.
Media coverage of the event will aim to connect with conscious, culturally engaged audiences, highlighting the festival’s role as a platform for sustainable urban development, environmental awareness, and community participation. The festival will not only celebrate the aesthetic grandeur of roses but will also reinforce collective responsibility toward a greener, healthier Lucknow.
As Lucknow steps further into an era of green urban planning, the Rose Festival will stand as a symbol of hope, action, and cultural innovation, leaving residents and visitors inspired to make meaningful contributions to the city’s ecological future.
