NDMC inaugurates Tulip Festival 2026 at Shanti Path; exhibition open to public throughout February

Visitors attend the inauguration of Tulip Festival 2026 at Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, as over 5 lakh tulip bulbs bloom across key locations in Delhi throughout February.

• NDMC launches 4th Tulip Festival at Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri
• Over 5 lakh tulip bulbs planted across New Delhi for 2026 event
• Potted tulip plants sold at multiple locations across the capital

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The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Monday inaugurated the 4th edition of Tulip Festival 2026 at Shanti Path in Chanakyapuri, with the floral exhibition set to remain open to the public throughout February.

NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra and Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal launched the festival in the presence of Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India. Officials and visitors also participated in a Tulip Walk at the venue, according to an official statement.

NDMC Tulip festival

Gerards said, "The journey of the tulip -- from Central Asia through the Ottoman Empire to Leiden in the Netherlands -- beautifully reflects the journey of friendship between our nations."

Calling the blooms a matter of pride, Chahal said the festival reflects the 'Viksit Bharat at 2047' vision, while Ambassador Gerards described the tulip's journey as a symbol of growing India-Netherlands ties.

From 17,000 bulbs to over 5 lakh in 2026

The initiative, which began as a small horticulture experiment, has grown into a landmark annual event. NDMC is now the first civic body in India to successfully cultivate tulips in public spaces on such a scale.

"NDMC first experimented with tulip planting in 2017-18 with 17,000 bulbs; the initiative has since expanded significantly. This year, 5,17,500 tulip bulbs were procured -- 3,25,000 for NDMC and 1,92,500 for the Delhi Development Authority. Of NDMC's share, about 2,25,000 bulbs have been planted at key locations across New Delhi," Chahal added.

NDMC Tulip festival

In addition, around one lakh tulip bulbs have been planted in pots for public purchase. NDMC has also planted 15,000 bulbs preserved at the Tulip House Conservation Centre in Lodhi Garden, and 20,700 bulbs have been received from the CSIR–IHBT Research Centre, officials said.

Where visitors can see and buy tulips

For the second consecutive year, one lakh potted tulip plants are being sold at multiple locations across the capital, including Shanti Path Lawn, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Central Park, and NDMC nurseries, including Safdarjung Madarsa, Gurudwara Park and Purana Quila Road.

NDMC Tulip festival

The tulip displays have now emerged as a major seasonal attraction in the NDMC area, drawing residents, tourists and photography enthusiasts alike.

Chahal also appreciated the dedicated efforts of officers and staff of the Horticulture Department for the successful execution of the festival.

With vibrant blooms lining Shanti Path and other key public spaces, the Tulip Festival 2026 adds to Delhi’s growing calendar of urban floral events and reinforces cultural ties between India and the Netherlands.