Repository of one of India's Richest Ethnic Cultures

Jharkhand : Repository of one of India's Richest Ethnic Cultures

The cultural mosaic of Jharkhand was dreamt about, shaped and polished by generations of communities, which have inhabited this land since time immemorial. From the legendary Asurs and Santhals, to the Banjara, Bihor, Chero, Gond, Ho, Khond, Lohra, Mai Pahariya, Munda, Oraon, Kol or Kawar-over thirty-two tribal groups (28 % of the total population of the state), have left their impression on the culture of the region. And with them, were the cross-cultural influences of local non-tribal communities and successive waves of Buddhism and Jainism, Mughal rule and the reign of the Hindu emperors of Bengal. Art historians ascribe the 'oldest cave paintings' in India, the "scroll paintings" to a Jharkhand tribe known as the Shabars, who today live on the edge of extinction. It is an established fact that Stone Age tools discovered in Hazaribagh district and axes and spearheads found in the Chaibasa area, are remnants of a civilization dating back a few thousand years. 10,000 to 30,000 years old rock paintings, paintings in huge caves in the Sati hills and other indicators of ancient, even pre-historic, human settlements are found in profusion.

Palamau

Palamau

In Palamau district, best known as 'tiger country', stands Betla National Park, which is famous for luxuriant forest cover and a rich variety of fauna. It is one of India's earliest tiger reserves, set up in 1974. But natural splendour apart, Betla is the place where you will come across the Betla Fort (tribal fortress) of the 1 6th century Chero kings. The martial lineage of the Cheros, who consider themselves as descendants of Chauhanvanshi Rajputs and as Chandravanshis or descendants of the moon - is evident in the structure of the fort, set as it is, in dense woodlands and perched on high ground. Stand near here, look through the gabled windows, touch the thick mud-and-brick walls, and you'll get a jolt from the past, of swords clashing, feet stamping, horses neighing and war trumpets blowing. You cannot, should not miss Chero Fort when you come to Betla.

Sahebganj

Sahebganj
	Rajmahal, near Sahebganj, a historical city built by the Emperor Akbar way back in the 15th century. It was made the capital of Bengal in 1592 by Raja Maan Singh, Akbar's legendary general. Rajmahal stood witness to several battles and the accession of Shah Shuja, the second son of Emperor Shah Jahan. It was here that Dr. Gabriel Boughten cured Shah Shuja's daughter of an ailment, and the British were quick to establish their trading empire in Bengal. The Jami Masjid in Hadaf at Rajmahal was built in 1592 AD, during the reign of Raja Maan Singh. The mosque originally consisted of a large prayer hall to the west and a spacious courtyard in the front. A high compound wall encloses it with arched recesses inside. The Jami Masjid was once considered the most beautiful building in Gaur (Bengal) of which only the southern portion exists today, suggesting what it once was. Nearby is Bara Darwaza, what used to be a fort built almost at the same time as the mosque. Situated on top of a hillock facing the river, this unique fort had 12 identical doors, built purely on an artistic imagination. The remains of the fort have been declared a heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India and hopefully it will soon regain its lost glory. On the way to Sahebganj stands Sangi Dalan, part of what was a marble palace built by Raja Maan Singh sometime between 1580 and 1 600 AD. The Ganga flows eternally just next to this edifice. There is a popular theory that in those early times a hollow pipe ran below the Sangi Dalan connecting different forts in the area and was used for 'communication' between them. In Sahebganj district near Kanhaiyasthan the foot impressions of Sri Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu have been preserved. The saint is believed to have stayed here on his way to Vrindavan. Somewhere else in Jharkhand, you will come across a 2000 year old temple at Madhuban in Giridih district. There are many other old temples in Saranda, the land of '700 hills' and home to the stately Sal forests.

Dalbhumgarh

Dalbhumgarh : The resplendent Mother Kali temple of ancient stone at Dalbhumgarh near Jamshedpur is a part of the historic Narsingarh Rajbari where a king resisted advancing British troops with only 2000 soldiers in 1767 AD.

Benusagar : Exists near the Mayurbhanj (Orissa) border of Singhbhum. A temple was found inside a tank during the 7th century A.D. Some of the sculptures found inside the temple represent deities such as Ganesha, Kali, Shiva and Durga.

Guhiapal

Guhiapal : Situated in Bahragora block, archaeological artifacts will tell you about a civilization along the banks of river Subarnarekha that goes back to the 1 Oth century B.C. Brick structures, artifacts, coins etc. are the amazing evidence.

Bohragora

Bohragora : A temple is situated at a spot called Chitreswara near the village Bahragora. God Shiva is worshipped with the name of Chitreswara.

Ranchi Hill

Ranchi Hill : At Ranchi, the temple atop the Ranchi Hill, Pahari to locals, is ordinarily known as Pahari Mandir- a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. But on each Independence and Republic Day the national tricolour is hoisted atop the temple as a mark of respect towards those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle.
Many of the freedom fighters were said to be put on the gallows there. When the country won freedom, the residents of Ranchi, decided to pay respect to those martyrs by hoisting the tricolour on the hill. And the tradition goes on...An unique gesture at a temple indeed.

So great was the cultural and creative crosswinds blowing over ancient jharkhand before today's multiplex concept, someone had conceived an idea and actually started executing a religious multiplex at an obscure place called Dulli, near McCluskiegunj. Though unfortunately it couldn't be completed and the complex now holds only a temple and a mosque, leaving the gurudwara and church undelivered, the tolerance and respect the planner had shown to the religions and their followers deserve much credit.

Kairo

Kairo : Situated about 1 6 kms south of the block head quarters of Karra. It has a dilapidated palace and two big tanks known to have been built by king Hiralal Nath Sahdeo. There is a well in his palace compound which never dries up and is unfathomable. The village also has a 200 year old temple which is built in lime and mortar.

Kunjla : An Asura site, 4 kms south west of Khunti. The mound is covered with brick and pottery. Excavation exposed ruins of a brick house, almost complete on plain, measuring 19X6 m. The antiquities discovered in the excavation included a good number of iron objects. The pottery is coarse fabric, thick in section and made of clay with small bits of quartz.
Tamar : Nearly 65 kms from Ranchi shows ruins of stone age yielding blades, lunates and finely worked pots.

Belwadag : There is a remain resembling Buddha's Vihara located 3 km east of Khunti in Ranchi district. Excavation of this site 2 meters inside the ground has revealed that the Vihara had the solid foundation of the brick size of 70"xl 0"x 3". This brick size is similar to the brick size of Sanchi Stupa.

Jonha : Nearly 45 kms from Ranchi, at Jonha, also known as Gautam Dhara, several Buddhist statues have been discovered, along the Kanchi river.

Chutia

Chutia A place in Ranchi which remained capital of the Nagbanshi for some time. It is famous for the Radhaballabh Temple. According to an inscription on its northern wall, Hari Brahmachari who was the guru of Raja Raghu Nath of Chotanagpur constructed it during 1665-82. Deori : 3 kms away from Tamar in Ranchi district is famous for a temple. It has a 'Solahbhuji Devi' considered to be installed by a tribal chief. The original walls and pillars are made of sandstone but now a new structure is being erected along the existing old temple. Satbarwa : This village is situated 26 kms from Daltonganj on way to Ranchi. The district Gazetteer refers to ruins of some old temples.

Dhanbad

Dhanbad
	Dalmi : Situated on the northern bank of the Subarnarekha river and also known as Diapur Dalmi contains ruins of temples and some images of Shiva, Durga, Ganesha and Nandi. There were some remains of the Buddhist and Jain faith to the extreme north of the site. Katras : About 16 kms away from Jharia, some ancient ruins have been found along with pieces of statues and cut stones lying on near by small hillocks. Gopalpur : The village lies in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda development block. It contains an ancient pillar said to date back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. There is also a large stone image said to be that of Ashoka himself. Panrra : The village which also lies in Nirsa-cum -Chirkunda block, is said to have derived it's name from the Pandavas. According to local legend the pandavas spent some period of their exile in hiding at this place. The village contains an ancient temple of Lord Shiva known as 'PandaveshwarMahdeo'. The temple is believed to have been constructed by a Hindu king at a much later date.

Chatra

Chatra

Raham cave on the north of Satpahar, is supposed to be a refuge for the Tana Bhagats around the end of the 1 9th century. The cave has graffiti-type mandalas painted in red haematite. Sidpa rock shelter to the west of Satpahar has enigmatic drawings of deer and bulls, and tattoo designs still used by tribal women. Another site on the road to Sidpa has hundreds of large stone blocks carved with designs of a female deity sitting on a lion's tail, churning butter and a hunter on horseback about to spear a stag. Nautangwa cave shelter is in the Mahadeva or Mohundi range of the upper Damodar Valley. These include some of the finest animal forms and some charming figures like that of a mother chasing her son. 6 km before the town of Barkagaon, Barwadi Punkhri is Jharkhand's preeminent megalith site. The site lies within strange concentric circles with megalithic clusters around their rim. The surface of the site is strewn with flake tools and microliths. Jain & Buddhist relics are also plentiful in Jharkhand. A kilometer to the east of Barwadi Punkhri one can see the remains of a Buddhist sanctuary with sculpted monuments. Cave paintings are also found in Saraiya and Thetangi villages in Tandwa Block of Chatra district. The walls of the 6 caves in Tandwa are covered with interesting prehistoric paintings. Kalhua Pahari in Chatra district is one hill that has archaeological ruins that speak of the confluence of the major religions. There is an ancient Durga temple where the deity is worshipped as Kaleshwari.

Itkhori

Itkhori, a block headquarter within Chatra district. Itkhori lies north of Hazaribagh, about 16 kms west of Chouparan to be more precise. It is a wonderful place with abundance of historic reminiscences and archaeological remnants demonstrating a breathtaking saga of religious tolerance and cultural unity. More than 1200 years ago the great Pala and Gupta emperors looked out from the terrace of the magnificent Maa Bhadrakali temple complex built during 9th Century . The workmanship of the images and statues indicate a highly developed heritage of skills in the finer arts. And if wonders were to follow wonders, the Shiva-linga in the adjacent temple has no less than 1008 'lingams' carved into its surface. Images of 104 Bodhisattvas and 4 principal Buddhas are sculpted on each side of a 'stupa'-like structure. Close by is a stone slab with foot-impressions on its surface - believed to be that of Sheetalnath, the 1 Oth Tirthankara of the Jain religion.
One of the rock inscriptions of Mahendra Pala at Itkhori indicates that the Pratihara ruler came in control of the bordering areas of Chotanagpur during second half of the 9th century A.D.

All these magical remnants of the past are to be found at Itkhori, a village north of Hazaribagh, an ancient place where the religion and cultures of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, came and blended centuries ago.There are various Buddhist Relics at Itkhori dated from 200 B.C to 1200 A.D. Itkhori's name also has a legend connected to Buddhism. When the aunt of Lord Buddha could not distract him from meditating she gave up, goes the legend saying If/ Khoyi (lost here) that eventually distorted to become Itkhori, the name of the place.

When History Began

When History Began
	An, abundance of fossil remains and prehistoric artifacts in some places of Jharkhand point to the possibility that the transformation of homo erectus to homo sap/ens took place in the Chotanagpur region. Stone axes and other tools of early civilizations date back to over 3000 years. In the 6th or 7th century BC - the era of the epic Mahabharata-the "Kikat" Pradesh mentioned in the Rig Veda,was located somewhere in the Parasnath Hills in Giridih district, Jharkhand. This enormous wealth of past times, civilized existence, human societies and their cultural patterns, survive in caves, monuments, rock-art in shelters (petrographs)-and it is open for the world to explore. Is that a dinosaur on the cave wall ? Or a mammoth being chased by a band of early men? Is that a prehistoric fern frozen in stone for millions of years ? Yes. Cave paintings in some parts of Jharkhand, 'stone art' and 'petrography' also indicate the passage of geological time and the ancient presence of a civilization that may even pre-date the legendary Harappa. Many districts of Jharkhand abound in such sites and relics.

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple

The temple of goddess Chandi is approximately 15 kilometres from Chandigarh. The city of Chandigarh derives its name from this temple located in the vicinity of the city.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple

This popular Devi temple is considered to be one of the 52 shakti pithams according to Hindu scriptures and situated about twelve kilometres from Chandigarh. It was build by the Maharaja of Mani Majara (Gopal Singh) in 1872.

Balaji Temple

Balaji Temple

Situated about 15 kilometres from the ISBT, this temple is in Panchkula, a town adjoining Chandigarh. The main idol here is Sri Venkateswara flanked by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on each side.Pujas are conducted as per the temple traditions of Tirupati. The temple is managed by the Andhra community.

Aiyappa Temple

Aiyappa Temple

Situated very close to Karttikeya Swami Temple, this is an another South Indian temple in this vicinity, dedicated Lord Aiyappa. Managed by Sri Aiyappa Samajham, Sector 47, the temple, apart from the main idol of Lord Aiyappa, also has Ganapati and Bhagavati. The temple is one of the meeting points of Malayali community. An interesting point here is the existing good will and cultural bonds shared between Tamil and Malayali communities through these temples. On every Skanda Shasti and sthapana day (in Aiyappa temple), processions from these temples visit one another and perform customary pujas.

ow to reach Sri Karthikeya Swami Temple,

ow to reach Sri Karthikeya Swami Temple, Chandigarh

The nearest airport is Chandigarh, which is some 15 kilometres from the bus stand in Sector 17. Flights are available from New Delhi to Chandigarh. The temple is reachable by rail as frequent trains from New Delhi and other part in Punjab to Chandigarh, are available.

One can also reach the temple by road, as plenty of buses are available to Chandigarh from Delhi and adjoining areas. The Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 17 is about six kilometres from the temple. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from the bus stand and railway station to the temple and charges are fixed by the UT administration

Temple History: Sri Karthikeya Swami Temple,

Valli Teyvayanai Samedha Kanda Swami, Sri Karthikeya Swami Temple, Chandigarh

Temple History: Sri Karthikeya Swami Temple, Chandigarh

Far from home, Tamils in Chandigarh, the Union Territory and capital of Punjab and Haryana states of India have been striving to keep their Tamil culture and traditions intact. The threat of decade-old militancy, which took a heavy toll in this part of India, did not deter them though, however, for they believe that Tamil Kadavul (Tamil God) Murugan protects them from any eventuality.

It was during the peak of militancy in Punjab in the 1980’s when Tamils of Chandigarh city felt the need of a temple for Lord Muruga, who is the warrior fighting evil, to safeguard people from the militants. First a small vel (spear) was erected on a pedestal. Devotees started worshiping the vel by chanting Tiruppugazh bhajanam under the cover of darkness.

It is worth noted that not even a single family opted to shift to safer states out of fear but stood fast with a strong faith that Lord Muruga would save them. Their belief was not in vain, as the militant movement started waning soon thereafter. By 1990 the whole region was free from militancy.

People then felt that there should be a full-fledged temple for their Lord and started working towards it. A committee was formed to coordinate with people back in Chennai for arranging the architect, idols and other elements necessary for constructing a temple. Sthapati Rajagopal and his disciple Sthapati Thiagarajan from Chennai drew the blueprint for the temple and built the temple following Dravidian temple architecture with a mixture of Chola and Pallava style of gopuram.

Idols of Lord Muruga flanked by Valli and Devasena, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Krishna Mariamman along with small idols for the temple praharam (peripheral walls) such as Narthana Ganapati, Dakshina Murti, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga and Chandigeswar were chiseled by sculptors from Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu and brought here with utmost care. Maha Swami of Kanchi Sankara Mutt named the deity as 'Lord Karttikeya Swami'

Mahakumbabishekam of Sri Karthikeya Swami Temple, Chandigarh, on April 29, 2002

Shivacharyas from Kanchipuram led by Rajappa Gurukkal along with Viswanatha Gurukkal performed Mahakumbhabhishekam (grand consecration) in January 1992. The temple has grown from strength to strength in the last decade. His holiness Jagathguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal and Bala Periyawar Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt visited the temple and blessed the devotees.

After a gap of ten years, the second Kumbhabhishekam was held in April 29, 2002, by the same group of Shivacharyas led by Rajappa Gurukkal. The temple has now two new additions; a separate sannidhi for Lord Hanuman and Navagrahams. A new dais along with a huge hall (mandap) now facilitates the community in conducting cultural events such as dances, music and bhajans. 'Thirupugazh' Raghavan (with red band around his head in the picture) was falicitated on that occasion. Pictures of the occasion are included here for the benefit of devotees.

Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib

Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib

Situated near Patiala Guru Teg Bahadur Ji visited this place 1732 after victory. Guruji blessed that any person suffering with any disease can be cured by taking bath in this holy place. Basant Panchami is a special day for taking bath in this place.

Anandpur Sahib or Takhat Sri Keshgarh

Anandpur Sahib or Takhat Sri Keshgarh

Keshgarh Sahib is one of the five Takhats(Throne) of the Sikh religion. The ancient and impressive gurudwara is highly revered by the Sikhs here Guru Gobind Singh ji baptised the first five beloved ones and created Khalsa Panth in 1699 A.D. It is the great centre of the Sikhism which is blessed by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.

Gurudrwara Nada Sahib

Gurudrwara Nada Sahib

Nada was a very small village in Patiala State, which is situated in Haryana and about 15 km from Chandigarh On returning after his victory on Mughal, Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed at this place and Nadu Shah a follower of Guruji welcomed and served Guruji by all means. Guruji blessed Nadu Shah due to your services this place will be famous by the name of Nada Sahib. Thousands of people came here to fulfil their wishes with deep faith from all over the India and abroad.

Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple

This temple is situated at the altitude of around 1300 meters. The holy place link through a cable car. Devotees are blessed for prosperity & happiness by mata Darshan. The reservoir of Bhakhra Dam present a splendid view at the back drop.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple

The temple of mansa Devi is about 15 km from Chandigarh bus stand and situated in the state of Haryana. Devotees from all over the country visits this temple for blessings of goddess Mansa Devi. There are two temples new and old. The new temple was built by the Maharaja of Patiala.

Ancient Shiv Temple of Saketri

Ancient Shiv Temple of Saketri

The temple at Saketri is an ancient historical Shiv temple, just 5 km from Mansa Devi Temple and about 20 km from Chandigarh bus and thousand of devotees throng this temple on the sacred day of Shivratri for pooja and to get blessings of Lord Shiva .

Jayanti Devi Temple

Jayanti Devi Temple

This temple is 13 km from Chandigarh Bus Stand. Actualy ancient temple of Jayanti Devi is situated in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh but the Pindi of Devi was brought from that temple.This beautiful temple is situated on the bank of Jayanti river surrounded by Shivalik hills.

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple

The temple of Mata Chandi is approximately 15 km from Chandigarh. The city of Chandigarh derives its name from a temple Chandi Mandir in the vicinity of the site selected for the city (deity Chandi the Goddess of Power) and a fort or garh beyond the temple called Chandigarh.

Solan India

Solan India

In this article, we will provide you with Solan city guide that will give you useful information on Solan, India.

Location: 68 km from Chandigarh

Altitude: 1445 meters

More popularly known as the Mashroom city of India, Solan is nearly 68 kms away from Chandigarh. It is located at an altitude of 1445 meters. Solan is a small town but a beautiful one. Solan is named after goddess Shoolini Devi. Tourism in Solan is gaining momentum year by year. It is well known for its brewery that was started in the year 1835. It is known as Mohan Meakin brewery. Solan rarely gets to experience snowfall. There are plenty of picturesque spots in Solan. Some of its major attractions include Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni, Shoolini Mata temple, Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery and many more.

In this article, we will provide you with Solan city guide that will give you useful information on Solan, India.

Location: 68 km from Chandigarh

Altitude: 1445 meters

More popularly known as the Mashroom city of India, Solan is nearly 68 kms away from Chandigarh. It is located at an altitude of 1445 meters. Solan is a small town but a beautiful one. Solan is named after goddess Shoolini Devi. Tourism in Solan is gaining momentum year by year. It is well known for its brewery that was started in the year 1835. It is known as Mohan Meakin brewery. Solan rarely gets to experience snowfall. There are plenty of picturesque spots in Solan. Some of its major attractions include Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni, Shoolini Mata temple, Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery and many more.

Shimla India

In this article, we will provide you with Shimla city guide that will help you explore the beautiful hill station of Shimla, India.

Location: 104 km from Chandigarh

Altitude: 2,159m

Accommodation: Hotels in Shimla

Best Time to Visit: May-July & September-November

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations of India. It is located at an altitude of 2,159 m in the lower Himalayan range. It is nearly 104 kms away from Chandigarh. With its charm and beauty, Shimla has been casting spell on its visitors. Here, you can savor the cool breeze throughout the year. Its lush green forests of pine, cedar, and oak are very fascinating. Tourism in Shimla is on its peak. Every year, it has been drawing more and more crowds. There is a plethora of tourist attraction places in Shimla like Annandale playground, Chadwick Falls, Tara Devi Temple, Christ Church (St. Michael's Cathedral), Jakhu Temple, Mahatma Gandhi's Retreat & Shimla State Museum etc.

asauli India

asauli India

In this article, we will provide you with Kasauli city guide that will help you explore the charming city of Kasauli, India.

Location: 70 kms from Chandigarh

Places Of Interest: Monkey Point, Sanawar, and Dharampur

Best Time To Visit: April To September

Situated at a distance of 70 kms from the city of gardens, it is a very tranquil hill station. It is located at an altitude of 1928 meters. The period between April-November is the best time to visit this place. There are two main roads in the city, where traffic is restricted. It is owing to this fact that Kasauli is one of the calmest hilly areas of the country. Tourism in Kasauli is gaining momentum. Kasauli is encircled by forests of chir-pine, Himalayan oak and huge horse chestnuts. If you have kept adequate time for exploring places in and around Chandigarh, then Kasauli definitely deserves to be visited.

In this article, we will provide you with Kasauli city guide that will help you explore the charming city of Kasauli, India.

Location: 70 kms from Chandigarh

Places Of Interest: Monkey Point, Sanawar, and Dharampur

Best Time To Visit: April To September

Situated at a distance of 70 kms from the city of gardens, it is a very tranquil hill station. It is located at an altitude of 1928 meters. The period between April-November is the best time to visit this place. There are two main roads in the city, where traffic is restricted. It is owing to this fact that Kasauli is one of the calmest hilly areas of the country. Tourism in Kasauli is gaining momentum. Kasauli is encircled by forests of chir-pine, Himalayan oak and huge horse chestnuts. If you have kept adequate time for exploring places in and around Chandigarh, then Kasauli definitely deserves to be visited.

Teej Festival

Venue: Rock Garden (Sector-1)

Month: August

Teej festival in Chandigarh, India is celebrated with fun and frolic. It is a traditional festivity in which women participate enthusiastically. Teej festival falls in the first week of August. It is basically the festival of monsoon. On Chandigarh Teej festival, Rock garden serves as the festive venue, where different cultural programs take place. On this festive occasion, women adorn their hands with beautiful Mehndi designs. They buy colorful bangles and wear their special clothing. Various dance performances are held on this day. Giant wings are the main highlight of the festivity of Teej.

Chandigarh Mango Festival

Venue: Pinjore Garden

Month: June

The name mango festival is suggestive of the fact that it is a festivity of mangoes. Mango festival in Chandigarh, India is celebrated with splendid grandeur. It gives a platform to all mango growers of our country to display their varieties. Also, the agricultural universities participate and exhibit the latest hybrids of this fruit. Chandigarh mango festival takes place in the month of June & Pinjore garden usually serves as the venue. This festivity cum fair gives a fabulous opportunity to the food industries that process mango into jams, pickles and canned fruit, to showcase their products. This fair is drawing more and more crowds every year.

Festival of Gardens

Venue: Leisure Valley (Sector-10)

Month: February

Chandigarh festival of gardens is one of the most popular festivals listed on the national calendar of festivals. It is a three-day extravaganza that is held in the month of February, mostly during the last week. Initially, this festival was called Rose festival and was started to motivate people to visit the rose garden and savor the marvelous sight of the blooms. Since then, Rose festival of Chandigarh, India has been gaining momentum. There are lots of things that have been incorporated. Today, it consists of various cultural programs consisting of classical and folk dances, musical performances, flower shows and exhibitions by local artists. This grand event also gives an opportunity to various companies to showcase their products. Since 1997, it is known as the festival of gardens.

Chrysanthemums Show

Venue: Terraced Garden (Sector 33)

Month: December

Chrysanthemums Show in Chandigarh, India is a very famous flower show that is hosted every year at the Terraced garden in Sector 33. This fair is usually held in the month of December. In the Chandigarh Chrysanthemums flower show; you can find distinctive varieties of flowers. As a part of this show, various competitions are conducted regarding gardening, in which many city gardeners participate. Chrysanthemums Show has been drawing more and more crowds each year. This flower show has been increasingly gaining momentum.

Chandigarh Carnival

Venue: Leisure Valley (Sector-10)

Month: November

Chandigarh carnival is a three day long mega event that is held every year in the month of November. It is usually hosted at the Leisure valley in Sector 10. It is organized by the Chandigarh administration to promote creativity and talent of the citizens of Chandigarh and adjoining places. Carnival of Chandigarh is celebrated with fun and frolic. It provides a platform, especially to children and senior citizens, to come forward and exhibit their talent. It gives a boost to talented people. Various competitions are conducted for senior citizens like painting and clay modeling etc. Pick and drop facilities are provided to senior citizens, so that they do not have to face any kind of inconvenience. This event definitely deserves a mention, when the talk is about the popular fairs and festivals of Chandigarh

Nada Sahib Gurdwara

Location: 15 kms from Chandigarh in Panchkula district on the banks of river Ghagar

Significance: it is here that Guru Gobind Singhji along with his victorious fellow warriors had taken a halt while on their way back, after having fought the battle with Mughals.

There are a number of religious places in and around Chandigarh. One among them is the Chandigarh Nada Sahib Gurudwara. Situated at the Panchkula district on the banks of river Ghagar, it lies at a distance of 15 kms from the city of gardens. Gurdwara Nada Sahib in Chandigarh, India has a lot of reverence for Sikhs, as after having fought the battle with Mughals, Guru Gobind Singhji along with his victorious fellow Sikh warriors had stayed over here, while on their way back. Here, they were given a warm welcome by a follower of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, named Nadu Shah. The Guru showered his blessings on him and also said that the Gurudwara would be named after him. Lakhs of worshippers visit the Nada Sahib Gurdwara on the full moon day (Pooranmashi) of every month.

Baoli Sahib Gurdwara

Location: Zirakpur-Kalka Highway

Significance: Guru Gobind Singhji visited this place and restored the water supply to quench the thirst of people of this area

Gurdwara Baoli Sahib in Chandigarh, India is a very famous shrine. Devotees come from all over the country to visit this religious place. Chandigarh Baoli Sahib Gurudwara has a lot of religious significance for Sikhs. People are of the belief that there was a descendant of Baba Gurditta Ji, who resided in the Dhakauli village near Zirakpur. He meditated for many years at this place. On having heard about this great devotee, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, as in Guru Gobind Singhji visited this village. This village is about 10 kms away from Chandigarh, situated on the Zirakpur-Kalka highway. This great worshipper made a request to the Guru to restore the water supply and quench the thirst of people of this area. It is believed that the Guru shot an arrow into the ground and a baoli (shallow well) sprang from there. Later on, a splendid gurudwara was constructed over there and it was named Baoli Sahib Gurdwara. Worshippers come over here on every Amavas to take a holy dip in the water of the baoli.

Amb Sahib Gurdwara

Location: Phase 7, Mohali near Chandigarh

Significance: there is a mango tree over here that bears the fruit even during the winters

Chandigarh Amb Sahib Gurdwara is a prominent pilgrimage spot. It is located in Phase 7 in the Mohali district. It is said that in 1659, Guru Har Rai, the seventh Guru of Sikhs visited this place to meet his disciple, Bhai Kooram. The unique thing about Gurudwara Amb Sahib near Chandigarh, India is that it has a mango tree, which bears the fruit even during winters, as commanded by the Guru. These mangoes are distributed as Prasad to the Sangat. On the occasion of Sakrant that falls in the month of January, a fair is held in the Amb Sahib Gurdwara in the memory of the Guru and thousands of devotees flock here.

Chandigarh Mansa Devi Temple

Location: 8 km from the Chandigarh

Dedicated to: Mata Mansa Devi

Chandigarh Mansa Devi temple is a very famous shrine located at Panchkula, which is about 8 kms away from the city. This holy Siddh Peeth is dedicated to Mata Mansa Devi. According to the Hindu mythology, the head of Devi Sati had fallen over here. Mansa Devi Temple near Chandigarh basically houses two temples. The temple that is located near the parking lot is said to be the main temple. It was established in the year 1815 A.D by the ruler of Mani Majra. The credit for setting up the relatively new temple goes to the Maharaja of Patiala. Adjoining to the Chandigarh Mansa Devi mandir, there is a beautiful garden consisting of sacred plants. People come from all over the world to pay homage to the goddess. During Navratras, fairs take place in the surrounding areas of Mansa Devi temple.