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Get ready for an upbeat, colourful, and boisterous celebration. Events in Chandigarh are as flamboyant as their counterparts in Punjab. Well, it is the neighbouring state and Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and Haryana. So, influences are bound to spill over, but no is complaining as it is the best time to plan a visit.
The festivals in this union territory centre around nature, religion, and culture. These are also key features that locals take pride in. The most significant events in Chandigarh include Baisakhi, Lohri, Mango Festival, Chrysanthemums Show, Chandigarh Carnival, Rose Festival, Gurpurab, Holla Mohalla, Tika, Karva Chauth, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera and Diwali.
So, pick a festival or two, and travel to Chandigarh to understand its significance. Participate in the festivities and indulge in food as you have never done it before. Let us narrow down the top events and festivals associated with this lively region that is worth the trip, time, and money. Let’s go…
It is celebrated on 14th April and marks the harvest time for the rabi crops as well as the foundation of Khalsa Panth (the Order of the Pure Ones). Chandigarh lights up with festivities. For the Sikhs, the gurudwaras host several events, which includes special prayers, community meal, and distribution of Kara prasad (sweetened semolina). The farmers rejoice and give thanks for the abundant produce. New clothes are worn, and the celebration is crowned by singing, bhangra and gidda performances.
On 13th January, people in northern India, especially in Punjab and Chandigarh are delighted that the earth is moving towards the sun. The days become longer, and the weather turns warmer. To celebrate Lohri, a bonfire is lit and worshipped. Locals gather around the fire and toss offerings of til, puffed rice, and popcorn to it. People pray for prosperity and abundance, singing traditional songs as they dance in merriment. The festival is auspicious for other reasons too. It is symbolic of fertility. Hence, the first Lohri for newly married couples and newborn babies are considered important.
Chandigarh is home to some of the best and the biggest gardens in India. Some of the garden worth visiting are Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Terraced Garden, Garden of Fragrance, and Japanese Garden. However, in winter, the Terrace Garden attracts scores of locals and tourists. It is blooming with colour and boasts of a huge variety of flowers. Every December, the Chrysanthemums Show is organised and draws people from all walks of life. The show holds everal competitions that revolve around gardening. Butt heads with gardeners as you fight it out to be the champ. It is a Chandigarh festival that expands your horizon on the diversity of flowers in India.
This is one day in the year where women pray for the longevity of their husband’s life. Celebrated in October, women fast the entire day till they can see the full moon. So, to pass their time, modern women engage in a host of activities throughout the day. Early in the morning, women indulge in heavy food like mathiyan and feniyan. During the day, they while away their time at one of the many Mehendi stalls in Chandigarh. In the evening, they visit the temple with the thali and return home to complete the process in their husband’s presence. It may be a festival for men, but it is as much a festival for women.
This Chandigarh festival has been attracting people like bees to honey, every year since 1997. It is organised around late February or early March at the Leisure Valley. This three-day show that displays more than 500 kinds of roses is a spectacle to witness. The itinerary also consists of classical and folk music, traditional dance performances, and programmes for children. Local artists, craftsman, and photographers also put up stalls to exhibit their products. The original name of the event was the Rose Festival. The aim was to encourage people to visit Leisure Valley’s rose garden and marvel at the beauty of the rose and in the fragrance flirting in the air. Today, it is one of the best events in the city.
The festival is a joyous celebration ringing in the monsoon season but also has a religious significance. Teej Festival celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though it is celebrated in Rajasthan with enthusiasm, it is one of the most significant events in Chandigarh. The women fast and pray the entire night, then in the morning bathe and dress in their most beautiful red saree and jewellery. They apply henna and sing traditional songs related to the Teej Festival. Women who are engaged receive a gift, either bangle, dress, or sweets from their future in-laws the day before the festival. While married women’s gift includes clothes or sweets from their mother. However, the gift is passed on to the mother-in-law after worshipping.
It is a fest every Saturday at Sector 17’s central plaza. It is a three-hour show that includes dance performances, musical concerts, magic show, mimicry, and acrobatics. It is also an ideal place to appreciate and support local art and sculpture display.
Chandigarh may not be a metropolitan city, but it is bursting with festivity and excitement. So, why not come down to the city and experience it first-hand. SOTC is your expert guide to festivals, travel, and stay. Book a package with them to explore Chandigarh from a cultural side.
