The Bonsai Bonanza exhibition by the India Friendship Bonsai Society celebrated its 22nd year with eminent guests like Bollywood actor Kajol Devgan and H.E. Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan. The event highlighted the significance of nature, art, and environmental conservation through bonsai.

Early Saturday morning, (Friday, Jan 31) saw nature enthusiasts, Bonsai lovers, environmentalists, dignitaries and students throng Jamnabai Narsee School to witness the unveiling of Bonsai Bonanza, the annual exhibition of the India Friendship Bonsai Society’s (IFBS).
The event, marking 22 years of IFBS, held in collaboration with the school, featured Bollywood actor Kajol Devgan as the chief guest, alongside H.E.Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan.
Harsha Hinduja, President of IFBS, emphasized the event’s role in highlighting the relationship between nature and human intervention. “This exhibition is a celebration of nature, art, and creativity. These miniature trees remind us of the significance of plants in our lives,” Hinduja said. “The recent wildfires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change. Bonsai embodies the elements of water, fire, earth, air, and ether, reflecting the interconnectedness of life. The philosophy of bonsai is ‘less is more.’”

Harsha Hinduja and Kajol Devgan
Bonsai, a traditional Japanese art form, has gained popularity in India, particularly in urban areas, as awareness of environmental conservation grows.
Chief guest Kajol spoke about the importance of reconnecting with nature. “Nature, in every form, is something we need to look up to. In recent years, we’ve seen that we are not stronger than nature. Science has advanced, but we must connect with nature at the root level. This event is a great example of that,” she said.
H.E. Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan, acknowledged the role of IFBS in promoting environmental awareness. “I am pleased to be part of the 22nd Bonsai Bonanza exhibition. IFBS, founded in 2003, has become one of Mumbai’s leading bonsai groups, fostering appreciation for nature through bonsai and Ikebana. Japanese culture values harmony with nature, and these traditions reflect that philosophy,” he said.

(L-R) Harsha Hinduja, H E Yagi Koji, Kajol Devgan, Urvashi Thacker at Bonsai Bonanza 2025
Urvashi Thacker, Vice President of IFBS, expressed gratitude to the members and organizers. “Bonsai is a form of horticulture and art that requires daily care. It teaches patience and perseverance. I appreciate our team, especially Harsha Hinduja, for her dedication to this initiative,” she said.