Chandigarh — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Le Corbusier planned city, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake
Introduction
Chandigarh, India's first planned post-independence city, was designed by Le Corbusier as a symbol of modern India. It serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana while remaining a UT.
Quick Facts
Capital
Chandigarh
Largest City
Chandigarh
Official Language
English, Punjabi, Hindi
Formation Date
1 November 1966
Area
114 sq km
Population
1,200,000+
Region
North
Type
Union Territory
Language
English is the official language; Hindi and Punjabi are widely spoken.
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Traditional Dress
Predominantly modern Indian-Western attire; Punjabi suits, sarees and sherwanis appear for festivals and weddings.
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Festivals
Rose Festival, Mango Festival, Chrysanthemum Show, Baisakhi, Diwali and Christmas.
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Cuisine
Punjabi-Haryanvi fusion plus pan-Indian cuisine — Sarson da Saag, Chole Bhature, Amritsari fish, Lassi and a thriving cafe culture.
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Literature
A literary hub for both Punjabi and Hindi writers; Khushwant Singh, Surjit Patar and Mohan Rakesh associated with the city.
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Art Forms
Nek Chand's Rock Garden of waste-art sculpture, modernist architecture, Punjabi-Haryanvi folk dance performances at Tagore Theatre.
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Historical Importance
Founded in 1953 after Punjab lost Lahore in Partition; designed on a grid of 'sectors' by Le Corbusier; declared a UT in 1966.
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