Chandigarh: The municipal corporation of Chandigarh Friday approved the highest bid of Rs 76 lakh (including GST and taxes) for organising this year’s Rose Festival. With this arrangement, the MC will not spend from its own budget, as the selected firm will finance the entire festival. The firm has been permitted to install advertisement boards, LED screens and a few advertising balloons during the three-day event. This is the first time the MC floated an Expression of Interest ) to invite firms and companies to finance the festival. Three bidders applied, and after scrutiny, the highest bid was placed before the municipal commissioner and cleared for final approval.
Officials said the amount received will not only meet the full cost of the festival but may also generate revenue for the corporation. “Last year, the MC organised the festival through sponsorships and earned about Rs 11 lakh after meeting expenditure. This year, with a bid of Rs 76 lakh, the MC is expected to make a profit even if costs rise compared to 2025,” an official said. Last year, the MC had received around Rs 36 lakh through sponsorships and Rs 24 lakh through food courts, game zones and entry forms, against an expenditure of about Rs 49 lakh.As per the approved bid, the successful firm will be allowed to install banners on 30 roundabouts for the duration of the festival, along with 100 boards inside the Rose Garden. It may also install 10 LED displays and 10 hot-air balloons at designated spots. Space will also be provided for food courts and an amusement park inside the garden.
