A vibrant sunflower exhibition marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore opened on Wednesday, October 22, at Gardens by the Bay, one of the city-state’s most popular attractions. The floral showcase, titled Sunflower Surprise, features over 3,000 sunflowers in radiant hues of yellow, red, and brown, symbolising warmth and friendship between the two nations.
The exhibition was inaugurated by India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, who unveiled 20 different sunflower varieties at the Flower Dome of the 105-hectare urban park, located next to Marina Reservoir. The ceremony was attended by Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Indranee Rajah, as the chief guest, along with more than 100 guests and dignitaries.
“Today, we celebrate one of nature’s most cheerful and iconic blooms — the sunflower. Here at Sunflower Surprise, we are treated to a vibrant display of different varieties of sunflowers, cultivated with care and presented with artistic flair,” Dr. Ambule said at the launch. He added, “Each variety tells its own story — of colour, resilience, and joy.”
The floral showcase also highlights cultural ties between the two countries through elaborate recreations of historical landmarks from Jaipur. “The sunflower floral showcase is bringing the lively charm and vivid colours of Jaipur (India’s famed Pink City & a UNESCO World Heritage City) to life at Gardens by the Bay,” Ambule said.
Minister Indranee Rajah, along with the High Commissioner of India and Mr. Felix Loh, CEO, Gardens by the Bay launched the Rajasthan floral display today at Gardens by the Bay.
— India in Singapore (@HCI_Singapore) October 22, 2025
Sunflower Surprise celebrates the architectural grandeur of Jaipur — the famed Pink City of India —… pic.twitter.com/r2PaIuOwjc
He emphasised that such festivals reflect the enduring cultural connection between India and Singapore. “It is festivals like these that deepen our understanding and appreciation of the beauty we share across borders. We are blessed to witness how cultural exchange can blossom through many forms — art, cuisine, music, and yes, even flowers,” he added.
The exhibition features striking models of Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, standing five metres tall and ten metres wide, the Amer Stepwell, a 16th-century rainwater reservoir, and the Patrika Gate, known for its intricate carvings and bright colours that capture Rajasthan’s architectural beauty.
The event is part of a series of programmes organised throughout the year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore.
Ambule noted that the year-long celebrations began in January with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s visit to India, followed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to New Delhi last month. “We have organised a series of events in diverse areas to mark this important milestone. Indian Film Festival, Biryani Festival, Indian Theatre Festival, etc., are some of the flagship events we organised this year,” he said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Indranee Rajah praised the theme of the exhibition. “It was a very good occasion and they chose Jaipur, which has so many historical elements,” she said.
Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, said the exhibition symbolised the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
“Through our floral displays, Gardens by the Bay brings a world of culture to Singapore. Sunflower Surprise celebrates not only the vibrancy and beauty of India, but also six decades of friendship between Singapore and India,” Loh said. “The sunflower — a symbol of happiness, positivity, and resilience — perfectly embodies the warm and enduring bond that connects our two nations.”
