All the colours of the season are on display in their brilliant best at the Assam Engineering Institute Playground, which is hosting the North East Regional Horticultural Show - 2008 organised jointly by the Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board, Assam Horticultural Society and the Directorate of Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Assam. The five-day show, which kicked off on Sunday, apart from showcasing the floral diversity of the region, has also held up a challenge to the visitors to discover the fragrance and taste of the North East in the form of various vegetables and fruits. From ornamental house plants to different outdoor plants, both flowering and non- flowering, there is no end to the long rows of potted plants arranged in neat order at the exhibition site. Coming in colours that could be only dreamed about, flowers and plants in all their brilliance and lushness are a treat to the eyes and a source of relaxation for the tensed nerves. One of the participating States, Manipur appeared to be adamant to convert the whole ground into one single colour through its Azaleas, all blooming in their glorious pink. On the other hand, the stall of Sikkim was thronged by the young people enchanted the appeal of roses in red pink and yellow. The Mizoram stall was taking the breath away of the visitors by displaying Anthuriums that were in their passionate best. "The demand is more for seasonal flowers,' said Banti Baruah, owner of Ajoy Nursery, adding that demand for indoor plants was also growing with the capital city witnessing a spurt in high-rises. On the second day of the exhibition, competitions on cut flowers, fruits and nuts, floral arrangement (dry and fresh), vegetables, bouquet making, etc were held. The Krishak Samorah was attended by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who called upon the farmers to embrace new technology and be a part of the agricultural developments initiated by the government. If gaudy flowers competed for attraction and admiration, equally enticing were the produce of the farmlands of different States of the region. Passion fruit of Mizoram, citrus fruits of Assam, and Meghalaya, vegetables, both organic and inorganic, are aplenty at the exhibition which aims to provide a platform for interaction among the stakeholders and exploring markets and market tie-ups.