The orchid Dendrobium Nobile is the official flower of Sikkim, while the rhododendron is the state tree. The state Government of Sikkim in collaboration with Government of India is going to organize the 2nd International Flower show in Gangtok from 23-27 February 2013. However, the hoarding of International Flower Show Sikkim 2013 was unveiled by the Chief Secretary Mr. Karma Gyatso already at the courtyard of Indian Himalayan Center for Adventure & Eco Tourism, Chemchey, South Sikkim on October 18, 2012 in a floral and colourful function.

During the function the Chief Secretary Mr. Gyatso also released the posters of the mega event, which was designed and developed by the Department of Information and Public Relations and also launched the official website of International Flower Show Sikkim 2013, designed and developed by Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department.  He also launched the social media, which means that from Facebook to Youtube all the social networking sites will have the information of this mega event, which will give Sikkim and its Floricultural expertise’s a window of opportunity to herald it worldwide. Further he also released a brochure of the International Flower Show Sikkim 2013 on the occasion.  Addressing the media persons and the gathering during the function Chief Secretary Mr. Karma Gyatso highlighted on the objectives of the International flower show and urged everyone involved in this mega project to cooperate and coordinate to make the show a grand success.

Earlier Secretary, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department who is also the Chairperson of the International Flower Show 2013 Committee, Mr. S.K Pradhan in his welcome address highlighted on this mega event and informed the gathering how this event would likely put Sikkim in the world map in the Floriculture sector and in at the same time provide a massive impetus in the field of tourism, and eco tourism. Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department also gave a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation with Theme Floriculture Scenario of Sikkim with Special reference to the mega event which is the International Flower Show Sikkim 2013 during the function.  During this presentation it was informed that about 25 International participants from worldwide are being expected with 30 National participants and 190 participants from the host state.  This five day mega event next year will not only showcase and exhibit different types of flowers, but will also have conferences, buyer-seller meet and workshops.

It may be reminded that the International Flori Show in the year 2008 had attracted about 1 lakh visitors during the 3 days event, and this year the department is expecting it to double in the 5 days mega event.

Secretary Information and Public Relations Mr. K.S Topgay also appealed and requested the personnel of the local and national, print and electronic media to kindly give a wide publicity and help Sikkim in making this mega event a grand success.

Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 424 medicinal plants. The orchid Dendrobium nobile is the official flower of Sikkim, while the rhododendron is the state tree.

The International Flower Show 2013 in the state is second of its kind after the international show of 2008 which was a huge success. The International Flower show 2013 will be a mega show, where participants from different states as well as from International are expected in a huge number. The event which will be held from 23rd to 27th February 2012 will also include conference on the concerned subjects besides having a buyer sellers meet. The main objectives behind organizing the show are to showcase the floral potential and to promote Floriculture Industry in Sikkim. It also intends to provide Flower growers of Sikkim an International Exposition for understanding the Global trend of Floriculture Development and Flori-business in order to keep in pace with the advancement of World Floriculture. The show has also been organized to highlight Sikkim as a Floriculture State / destination and to promote Tourism in Sikkim, said Mr. Padam Subba, the Deputy Director of Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim and Assistant Coordinator of the programme.