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The Capital City of Punjab is Chandigarh. You can locate Chandigarh on the foothills of the Shivalik range thus making the Capital City of Punjab, a place with wonderful weather throughout the year. Interestingly, the Capital City of Punjab is also the Capital City of Haryana! This makes Chandigarh the Capital City of two States in India. Read on to learn more about the Capital City of Punjab, Chandigarh.
Table of Contents
History of Chandigarh
Chandigarh’s story began in 1947 with India’s partition. Lahore used to be the capital of Punjab which is now in Pakistan. Moreover, East Punjab needed a new administrative centre.
- The construction began in 1952, with the city divided into well-defined sectors for specific purposes.
- In 1966, Punjab’s reorganisation created the States of Punjab and Haryana.
- Due to its central location, Chandigarh became the shared capital for both, while also being declared a Union Territory under the central government’s direct control.
- This unique arrangement ensured its neutrality and fostered cooperation between the two states.
Who Built Chandigarh?
The story behind Chandigarh’s creation is fascinating. Punjab was divided after the Partition of India in 1947, hence creating a need for a new Capital City.
- The vision of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, came to life with the careful planning and execution of a modern city, Chandigarh.
- The renowned architect Le Corbusier along with Maciej Nowicki and Albert Maye laid the foundation for Chandigarh’s unique design and architecture.
Demography of Chandigarh
Chandigarh has a population of over 10 lakh and estimates suggest that it would be 1,239,699 in 2024.
- Men slightly outnumber women with a ratio of around 55% male to 45% female.
- Moreover, Chandigarh is known for its high literacy rate thus exceeding 86% for those above 7 years old.
- Therefore, this exceeds the national average, with a substantial gap between male and female literacy which is around 91% for males and 82% for females.
- As a planned city, Chandigarh is mostly urban with a mere 2.75% rural population.
Geography of Chandigarh
The Capital City of Punjab, Chandigarh has 56 sectors, with the sectors starting from 1 and going up to 56. Furthermore, Sectors beyond 56 are located in the neighbouring cities of Mohali and Zirakpur. In addition, each sector has a specific purpose, with residential areas segregated from commercial zones and industrial hubs.
Now take a look at where the Chandigarh is located on India’s Map!
The Capital City of Punjab, Chandigarh like most Indian places experiences four different seasons.
- Summers are from April to June and are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.
- The monsoon season is from July to September and brings relief with moderate rainfall.
- Winters are from December to February and are mild, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C.
- Spring is from March to May and has nice weather with cosy temperatures.
Economy of Chandigarh
Chandigarh has a very active service sector, hence contributing the most to its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
- Moreover, tourism, IT, education, and healthcare are important factors that play a part in the GSDP.
- Additionally, construction and unregistered manufacturing might seem to have a small role but they are of significance.
- Chandigarh has been attracting investment and rising as a regional hub for knowledge-based industries with a high Human Development Index and skilled workforce.
Culture of Chandigarh
Even though Chandigarh is a young city it is home to people from all corners of India. Punjabi influence is strong, with Bhangra beats and delicious Punjabi food being always available.
- However, along with you will get to witness the Rose Festival which celebrates other regional traditions.
- Furthermore, this Capital City of Punjab encourages peace between religions. It has Hindu temples, Sikh Gurudwaras, and places of worship that reflect diverse architectural styles.
- Moreover, Chandigarh’s culture extends beyond the walls of its homes and is also felt through the welcoming spirit of its residents.
Why is Chandigarh Famous?
There are many reasons as to why Chandigarh is famous! Here are some reasons why:
- Planned City: The Capital City of Punjab, Chandigarh is India’s first planned city.
- It has well-defined sectors, spacious parks, and architectural marvels that continue to inspire city planners across our country.
- Architecture: Le Corbusier’s idea for Chandigarh resulted in a unique architectural style that tends to blend modern functionality with traditional Indian influences.
- The Open Hand Monument, the High Court, and the Capitol Complex are some of the city’s architectural treasures.
- Cleanliness: Chandigarh always ranks among India’s cleanest cities.
- As there are well-maintained parks, efficient waste management systems, and cleanliness is a priority.
- Education Hub: Chandigarh has many educational institutions, such as Panjab University, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, and the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Therefore, this makes the Capital City of Punjab a choice for students wanting quality education.
- Rock Garden: The Rock Garden is a very unique sculpture garden which was created by Nek Chand Saini. Moreover, he used recycled materials and is thus a must-visit for you!
- Zakir Hussain Rose Garden: This Rose Garden is spread over 30 acres and this fragrant heaven has over 1600 types of roses, thus making it a visual and olfactory delight.
- Sukhna Lake: This scenic lake is a famous spot for locals and tourists alike. Here you can enjoy a boat ride, stroll along the pathway, or simply relax amidst the peaceful atmosphere.
Food that Chandigarh is Famous For
Food is the source of life and Chandigarh has a mix of North Indian and Punjabi flavors. Moreover, here are must-try dishes:
- Butter Chicken: This famous food is well known all over the north of India. It is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish and Chandigarh has its delicious take on it.
- Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti: This is a traditional Punjabi dish that has mustard greens cooked with spices and it is served with flatbreads made from corn flour.
- Lassi: During the current heatwave in India, this refreshing yoghurt-based drink is excellent for keeping the summer heat at bay.
- Chole Bhature: This hearty combination of spicy chickpeas and fluffy fried bread is loved by everyone and can be enjoyed at any time of the day!
FAQs
Chandigarh is the shared capital city for Punjab and Haryana.
No, Punjab and Haryana are not the same state. They used to be at one point in time, but are now different with a shared Capital City.
The old name of Punjab is Saptah Sindhu.
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