|
|
Apart from the traditional religious observances and
national holidays, There are several festivals, which are exclusive to the
residents of Chandigarh.
The
Festival of Gardens is a three-day extravaganza, which is organised
in the last week of February is also on the national calendar of
festivals. Earlier, it was known as Rose Festival that intended to
encourage people to walk through the Rose Garden and enjoy the beauty of
roses. The festival includes performances of music and dance, both
classical and folk, flower shows, events for children, exhibitions by
local artists, photographers and craftsman and a wide range of amusements.
Since 1997, it is known as the Festival of Gardens. The various
competitions are organised such as children competition, dog show, and
flower decoration competitions. The various companies put up their stalls
to show various products.
April
Fools' Day (April 1) a unique gathering of various poets from all over
the country at Chandigarh, on this day. Even those who do not ordinarily
enjoy poetry look forward to the 'Maha Moorkh Sammelan', or 'Conclave of
Colossal Fools'. Chandigarh is the only city in India that hosts such a
gathering.
Baisakhi is the first day of the New Year in the traditional
Vikrami Calendar. It celebrates the wheat harvest, and is main festivals
for the Sikh as this is the day of foundation of Khalsa. As the capital of
two states, Punjab and Haryana, this day sees festivities organised by
both the state governments as well as the Administration of the UT, and by
all the residents.
The
Mango Festival is held in June. Mango-growers from all over India
are invited to enter their prize fruits in the various competitions.
Visitors to the fair can see and taste all the traditional varieties of
the fruit as well as the latest hybrids from the agricultural
universities. It is also an occasion for agro-industries, and food
industries processing mangoes into jams, pickles and canned fruit to
display their products.
Teej
Held in the first week of August, this traditional festival is celebrated
by women only. The Rock Garden with its swings and pavilions is the venue
for the festivities and the day is basically a grand picnic with songs and
dances, purchase of new bangles and painting the hands with 'mehndi'.
Indo-Pak Mushaira in December brings together poets from India and
Pakistan. The significance of this event is felt especially by the older
generation whose memories go back to the years before the partition of
India. For the younger generation, it brings home the common features of
language and culture that unite the people of two nations.
The Chrysanthemums Show is held in the month of December at
Terraces Flower Garden in the Sector 33 of the city. One can see a
multi-coloured wall-to-wall carpet of chrysanthemums. Hundreds of
varieties of the flower are on display and city gardeners vie for coveted
honours in the competition.
THE YOUTHFUL CARNIVALS
The Plaza Carnival is held on an open-air stage set up in Sector
17's Central Piazza every Saturday evening. The weekly programme draws a
large crowd and provides an opportunity for talented local artists to
present their art.
The Chandigarh Carnival
This carnival is celebrated in the second week of November every year for
three days. The carnival opens with a colourful procession, wherein
everyone is encouraged to join. The carnival is a time for students and
children to show their talent and elders too participate in a number of
competitions held at same venue.
