Chandigarh thrills its first rainfall in 2017. All the residents whether kids, youngsters or older ones are taking these showers as blessing from the ALMIGHTY!! People relishing the winter rainfall which was accompanied by hailstorms. First rainfall in Chandigarh brings happiness in people’s life.
It all started with heavy rainfall after 5 pm on 6th January 2017. The city received its first rainfall with a spell of hailstorms. The rainfall dropped the temperature and ceased the two week long dry spell. Till 5:30 pm traces were recorded in Chandigarh and airport observatories but by 8:30 pm it had rained 1 mm at Chandigarh observatory and 4 mm at Airport observatory.
The meteorological department has predicted that it will be cloudy sky with rain on Saturday as well. The minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 10.4 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees above normal, while on Thursday, it was 8.8 degrees Celsius, 3 degrees above normal. On Saturday the maximum temperature was expected to be around 20 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 13 degrees Celsius. It will all be fine till Sunday afternoon.
OUTCOMES OF RAINFALL
Power Cuts
The power lines were snapped in Sector 27 and some other parts like Bapu Dham, Ram Darbar and Dadumajra faced power cuts for over an hour.
Traffic Jams
There was a huge traffic jam observed in Sector 35 due rainfall and water logging. People were complaining of inconvenience caused and some of the cars were stranded as the engines stopped working.
Delay in Transports
There was a delay in flights and trains due to rainfall and snowfall occurring in some parts of the country. A total of 15 trains were delayed.
Chandigarh received its first rainfall yesterday followed by massive hailstorms. The roads in the city were covered by lofty snow balls. Chandigarh was coloured white with snow.# SNOW SNOW!!
The recent molestation cases of Bangalore on New Year’s eve have shook the country. Ever since the Bangalore incident has come to light, there has been a furor. Women’s safety in our cities is again being questioned. Bangalore, which is known for its liberal mindset has again made us think- how safe women really are? To find out the same, I got in touch with various females in the city of Chandigarh. Females from all age groups, economic and social backgrounds came forward to answer one question- how safe is Chandigarh for women?
Incident 1
The first person I talked to was, Moohita Kaur Garg, a 21 year old post graduation student of Mass Communication. “I’m a Chandigarhian born and bred here. Even though I think Chandigarh is safe, there have been incidents that say otherwise. I’ve had guys catcalling, throwing kisses and even trying to touch me inappropriately especially in buses. It is a common occurrence especially middle aged uncles to stand too close to your seat. They try to rub their crotches onto whatever piece of skin they can, be it your hand or your shoulder, anything goes.”
She further goes on to narrate an incident from her early school life. “It was around 2 pm, the school had just ended and a guy comes up to us (my sister, a friend and I) and tells me that the PT teacher is calling me. I was small so I didn’t think twice. He took me to the back of the school building (the school had some construction work going on). There he started to touch me all over my legs, thighs, I just froze. I don’t know how but somehow I gathered some courage. Then I kicked him (this part is a little blurry) and started running away from him. I didn’t look back just kept running to my sister. Later I told my parents. We tried to locate the molester with the help of school authorities, but nothing ever happened.”
Incident 2
Another student from Panjab University, who wishes to remain unnamed has a similar tale to recount. “”When I was young, we were playing in our locality. A man came and asked for the house where tuition was taught. Not thinking much about it, I took him up a flight of stairs, where he caught me from behind and started moving against me. I did not realise what was happening so I told him that my mom was calling and he said she could wait. I did not understand what was happening to me, but I sensed it was not right. So I told him that I have to go to my mom. By the time I ran down the stairs and could ask for help, he fled on his bike.”
“It is not uncommon for me to receive calls from unknown people, get catcalled, etc. When I started college, a senior who was friendly at first, once forced me into an empty classroom and tried to get intimate with me without my consent. He would even whatsapp me vulgar pictures of himself and other such textual messages.” she added.
Incident 3
Bhavna Nishal, a 29 year old senior Content Writer with an IT Company feels that “security has nothing to do with a city. It’s the human mentality and how they perceive the presence of a female in public and personal areas. If we talk about Chandigarh, stalkers are here, eve teasing does exist. But yes, may be because any serious case has not been reported till date so it seems to be safe for everyone.”
Many other females had same stories to retell. Random strangers on bikes touching them inappropriately and running away. Calls from unknown strangers. Unwanted texts on their social medias. Harassment is everywhere, you can see it only if you choose to see it.
One look at all these stories and you realize why the hashtag #NotAllMen enrages women. Not all men may have molested women but all women have been molested atleast once. It does not matter where because no place is safe. Schools, offices, roads and even their cell phones and social media. Women do not feel safe anywhere. And despite living in a city like Chandigarh, we have some very difficult questions left to answer.
Chandigarh the City Beautiful is not only a union territory but it has more to it. Chandigarh is an amalgamation of charming weather, beautiful surrounding, remarkable structures and salubrious restaurants. The city is like heaven to a traveller.
Interesting facts about Chandigarh you didn’t know:
1. CHANDIGARH DESIGN
Chandigarh was designed by a famous French Architect Le Corbusier.
2. STATES
Chandigarh acts as a capital for two Indian states Punjab and Haryana.
3.PLANNED CITY
Chandigarh is the first planned city of India spread in an area of about 114 sq.mt.
4. NO 13 SECTOR
It is observed that there is sector 13 present in Chandigarh and Panchkula because it is believed it’s unlucky.
5. TRICITY
Chandigarh has two neighbouring cities Panchkula and Mohali which together with Chandigarh is referred to as Tricity.
6. STATUELESS ROUNDABOUTS
There are no statues in parks or at roundabouts in Chandigarh.
7. HISTORY – Earlier Chandigarh was home to Harappan civilisation about 8000 years ago.
8. OPEN HAND SYMBOL
‘Open Hand’ which signifies peace and reconciliation. The open hand sends a message of ‘open to give and receive’.
9. The city was named after Chandi Mandir Temple which is now a tourist spot.
10. PENSIONER’s PARADISE
The city is a base for three governments so most of the people here are government officials or retired ones. The is given the name Pensioner’s Paradise.
11. ROADS(7V’s)
The network of roads is called 7v’s with vertical roads called the Paths and horizontal roads called the Margs.
12. HUMAN LIKE CITY
The ‘Head’ being Capitol Complex in Sector 1, ‘Heart being City Centre Sector-17, ‘Lungs’ being the open space and greenery, ‘Circulatory System’ being the 7V’s and ‘Brain’ being the Educational Institutions.
13. GREEN AND CLEAN CITY
Chandigarh has a lot of green melt in it with 26 flowering species and 22 tree species planted at different places.
14. LEGENDS BORN IN CHANDIGARH
There are many Legends born here in the city like Milkha Singh, Kapil Dev, Yuvraj Singh, Jaspal Bhatti, Kirron Kher, Gul Panag and much more.
15. RANKED FIRST
Chandigarh tops the list of Indian states and union territories in Human Development Index.
16. SONGS WITH THE CITY NAME
There are many songs with Chandigarh like Chandigarh de nazria ne patea, Chandigarh sehar di kudiya att ne.
These were some fascinating facts about Chandigarh. The City Beautiful welcomes all the tourists warmly.This place definitely needs to be visiting once. Welcome to City Beautiful!
The late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalita, was known to be very kind. She came up with the idea of Annapurna kitchens which later became very famous. First established under the leadership of J. Jayalalitha, these kitchens aim to provide wholesome meal to citizens at an inexpensive price.
These mobile canteens came up in areas which see a huge footfall regularly. It included hospitals, labor places etc. This was one of the social welfare programs of the state. As a result, many states including Rajasthan have started with the same. The latest to join suit is the city of Chandigarh.
The highly anticipated program was launched last week by the Chandigarh administration. The scheme is being called Annapurna. The Annapurna scheme in Chandigarh aim to provide people with a wholesome meal at Rs. 10! The meal package consists of 6 rotis, one vegetable and a pickle. The program is aimed at providing low cost meal to citizens from the lower strata of the society.
Talking about the venture, an official from the administration said the scheme is mainly targeted towards labors and the like. The citizens present at the launch appreciated it and said that the program will benefit them greatly.
However, the launch of Annapurna Scheme in Chandigarh was marred by reports of administration officials fleecing the people. It was reported that the officials were charging double the amount for the food packages. Administration officials said that stern action will be taken against such employees.
At present, the Annapurna vans are present at certain locations like the PGI, and specific sectors.
Upon seeing the immense response for the program, the administration has said that it will increase the number of packages from 1,000 to 10,000 within the year.
The program is being sponsored by various government agencies including the Department of Labor Welfare and Indian Oil Petroleum.
PEDDLERS 35: Situated in the heart of the city is the most celebrated locale for youngsters as well as wedded pair. It is a famed place to be on a night out with your friends. Chandigarh loves light, music, food so this place is amalgamation of all the three. It features the most talented music artists coming up with their bands to perform. This place has won TIMES NIGHTLIFE AWARD for many years.
Peddlers 35
With the end of 2016 there begins a New year 2017 which lets us relax and fade away all our worries. New Year’s Eve is to be celebrated with your loved ones so even I did it at a well known place Peddlers.
PASSES
Their passes had to be acquired prior to the New Year’s Eve which priced 6000 thousand for a couple and 3000 thousand for single girls. There were no stags allowed to make girls feel secure in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
AMBIENCE
Peddlers had an electrifying ambience on New Year’s Eve something different than its usual look. The pub was all embellished with balloons and ornamented with other decorating materials which gazed the guests at once. There were extra tables arranged and decorated as there was a throng of people to celebrate this special day at their place.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Some snacks and salads were already on the tables before the guests appeared. They were serving all sorts of soft drinks, cocktails, mock-tails and hard drinks too. The food was being served with melodies playing on the floor. Food had considerable variety of both veg and non veg but it was served moderately as there was a hell lot of crowd. The bartenders cooperated really well served drinks with all possible haste.
MUSIC
Band – Soulster
Later on the party was pumped up with the well known band ‘SOULSTER’. MUSIC made all the difference in the party. SoulstersBand made people go crazier. Following to the live band there was DJ hour as well which made all the guests shake their booty on the dance floor. DJ was spinned unbeatable. People were tripping with the music especially girls showing their sexy moves. The music was complete package with Hindi, Punjabi, English mashups.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
People had an astounding blast by drinking a toast to their New Year’s Eve at Peddlers 35. I personally made some things my favorite that day specially Kamakaze shots and cosmopolitian cocktail. I took some selfies for memories. The staff was courteous in order to serve quickly they could not pay attention to every guest properly , they still managed to do things in shape. The party in all was spellbinding, I rejoiced it with my loved ones. I am a frequent visit to this place but new year’s eve at peddlers was definitely a new experience. I fell it was a “Paisawasool” party, I feel nobody went dejected. This party aggregated to have everything be it live band, DJ, good snacks and drinks. I would rate this party “Thumbs up”. This outlet has earned at-least my loyalty.
Another New Year beckons us, but this one was eagerly awaited. After a forgettable 2016, the New Year is a respite for everyone. A New Year is like a new beginning. A fresh chapter where we have the power to rewrite the future for the better. A time to take on the world head on or maybe just take it easy altogether. Whatever it may be, there is no doubt that a New Year puts things into a new perspective and we try to change our lives. We make wish-lists and resolutions for ourselves. And it got me thinking…how about a New Year wish list for Chandigarh, our City Beautiful itself? Sure, it is THE most lovable place in the world but not everything is perfect (though Chandigarh comes quite close to perfection!).
So here I present to you- My Wishlist for Chandigarh 2k17
1. Cleaner Chandigarh
Of course, this was going to be there. And even though we might be the cleanest city at “face value”, the National surveys undertaken by the Swach Bharat mission say otherwise. Accessibility to clean public sanitation facilities, better waste management processes, a million challenges beckon our City Beautiful on this frontier.
2. An end to the financial crunch at Panjab University
The “shaan” of Chandigarh is perhaps the University. However, amid the non-availability of a Central University status, the University is facing one of its worst financial crunch. The situation is so dire that a 10 fold increase in the fees of University students has been recommended by the Senate which will only make the goal of Education for All, a distant dream.
3. A rising Cultural Movement
The art scene in our city is at a nascent stage, with not much exposure available to performance artists. The music is limited to restaurants and clubs where audiences only prefer listening to Punjabi or Bollywood tracks. Open mics and book clubs are one off events. In 2017, I would like to see more places promoting cultural art come up and bring us at par with the likes of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore.
4. Approval to the metro project
We may not have choking traffic like that of Delhi, but if you are someone who has been born and brought up in Chandigarh like me, you’ll attest to the fact that the traffic here has grown exponentially. With the blooming PG culture, professionals and students migrating to Chandigarh, the situation is only set to grow worse. A metro line will seriously ease the burden on our roads and of course, considerably reduce our pollution levels. (Fun fact: on an average day, the pollution levels in Chandigarh are 3 times more than the safe limit devised by the UN agencies). Need I say more?
5. Bring back the glory of Sector-17 and Sukhna Lake
Don’t get me wrong, I love Elante and the likes since they have brought all the world class brands to our city. But I also miss the old world charm of Sector-17 plaza- the street hawkers selling jewellery, posters of our favorite TV shows, cotton candy and what not! Also, the long walks at Sukhna Lake and the much sought after boating in the lake. But with the advent of commercialization, these places have taken a hit. Maybe some fun events at these places will have us rushing back to our old haunts!
Chandigarh to Goa Flight: Call it a new year gift or another feat, the city beautiful will be soon connected to major cities in India this year as stated by the airport authority officials on Tuesday.
“We are hopeful that in 2017, we will have flights to four new cities. We are in talks with few airlines and they have shown interest in it.”
-Chandigarh Airport CEO Sunil Dutt said in a statement on Tuesday
Chandigarh to Goa Flight: City Beautiful to be connected with five more cities
Currently, there are 24 domestic flights that are operating from the Chandigarh International Airport connecting it to different parts of the country and two international flights to Dubai and Sharjah had started in September 2016 by Indigo Airlines and Air India Express respectively. It is being said that Pune, Goa, Hyderabad, Leh and Chennai will be soon connected to Chandigarh as the work for commencing the flights for these routes has already begun.
International Flights will be commenced soon
Furthermore, Dutt said that the authority believes that the traffic from Chandigarh itself is quite massive and thus international flights will also be launched soon.
Making it more convenient for the Chandigarhians Dutt said, “We are expecting to start flights to Singapore and Bangkok from next year from Chandigarh”. Air India is also in talks with the Union Ministry for starting a combo flight from Chandigarh to London via Delhi.
Now that’s some happy news for us, Chandigarhians!
Yoga indeed has become an important need, considering the lifestyle and the food we eat. Many of us consider that yoga is all about asanas and other body exercises but it’s actually not only about physical fitness. With yoga one can raise his/her soul power to a great extent. By practicing yoga we can uplift ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally. The key to being a successful “Yogi” is to perform each and every step to perfection. That’s why it’s been recommended to perform yoga under the guidance of a yoga professional. And this article would ease your way out by taking you through some of the best yoga center in Chandigarh.
Best Yoga Center in Chandigarh:
Best Yoga Center in Chandigarh
– Aarogya Sadan:
The primary goal of Aarogya Sadan is to make the nation physically, mentally and socially fit so that they can cope up with the daily life challenges. Founded in 1980, the foundation offers yoga and meditation programs for all age groups. You can get treatment for all your diseases and disorders. So if you want to have a body that is PHYSICALLY FIT and MENTALLY AT PEACE then join Aarogya Sadan.
Contact
718, PSB Complex, Sector-49A
Chandigarh, India
– Yog Cafe
Yog Cafe
The YOG CAFE located at Sector 19 is hub of all forms of yoga which includes Power Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga. Apart from this it also offers complete mediation programs to help the body achieve a peaceful state of mind. The center provides sessions under various categories which incorporates Group Classes, Classes for Kids, Yoga for Couples, Yoga for Corporate, Yoga for Youth and Natal Classes.
Contact
Yog Café ,61,Madhya Marg, Sector 19 A,
Chandigarh, India
– Yog Divya Mandir Eva Chikitsalay
The Chikitsalay is one of the oldest and most matured yoga center in Chandigarh. The foundation was started in the year 1976. The center has well experienced professionals who provide classes for Kriyas, Yog Asanas and complete meditation practices. You can get rid of all your health problems and discover a new change within yourself. So, if you are searching for complete fitness of your body and mind then Yog Divya Mandir is the TEMPLE of HEALTH.
Contact
Building No. 6, Sukhna Path, Sector 30A,
Chandigarh, 160030
– FnY Studio:
The FnY is well constructed to meet up the needs of every individual. The studio focuses on each and every aspect of yoga so that the practitioner can practice yoga whenever and wherever he/she wants. For instance, if you don’t have time to go any yoga center so you can go for online sessions or if you are in the corporate sector and don’t have much time so you can go for corporate yoga programs.
The motive of Yog Amore Chandigarh is to turn people into more balanced beings and enrich them with power of love. The practices taught here help you to become what you were meant to be. The place not only focuses on to make you fit but also a happy person, which matters a lot. And as per our reviews people of Chandigarh found it very spacious, airy and they found themselves deeply relaxed. So, if others are enjoying the benefits why not you ?
Contact
Shringaar, Behind Rose Garden,
Opposite Punjab Kala Bhavan, Sector 16,
– Pregnancy 101 Chandigarh
Pregnancy 101 Chandigarh is a unique type of yoga center of it’s own which provides pre natal and post natal programs for the well being of you and your child. The programs include pain management techniques, nutrition, diet sessions, weight loss programs after delivery. It makes you prepared completely for the delivery so that you and your child come out to be healthy.
Contact
House No. 208,
Sector 33
– Body Zone Gym
The Body Zone Gym has been raising the fitness levels of the people of Chandigarh from a decade now. The Body Zone Gym specializes in all aspects of fitness including power yoga. Apart from this, the center also provides personal training, nutrition counseling, training for body relaxation, weight training, Kick boxing, Zumba and the list is just endless.
Contact
SCO 180-187, Second Floor C,
Madhya Marg, Sector 9-c,
– Fitness Matters:
Fitness matters provides professional training courses in yoga (simple yoga ), power yoga and aerobics. If you want to opt for a carrier in health and fitness, fitness Matters provides certification courses in yoga and aerobics. Other services include Weight loss, body building and sports performances. So, if you want a career in health and fitness then Fitness Matters is the best.
Contact
SCO 3013, First Floor, Sector 22
– Art of Living
Meditation, serenity and yoga practicing at sunset.
The society was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji with a motive to spread peace all over the world. The programs corporate breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. The programs are largely effective in brushing up your personality and opening up the gates of glory.
Contact
H.No.1235, Progressive Enclave,
Sector 50
– Oorja Danceworks
Don’t judge them by their name. Yes, it is a professional dance academy but it also imparts complete training in yoga. The academy has high grade trainers to teach you all forms of yoga than can enhance you physically as well as mentally. Along with this you can learn any form of dance which in itself is on the best exercise that can cherish you both mentally as well as physically.
Contact
Quiet Office – 7 ,
Sector:40-B
So its time for you to get up, take an initiative and bring about the change in you with these yoga center in Chandigarh.
They say that the Music can alter mood and talks to you. In the same way, The Back Room Chandigarh have so the Grammy Award winning Singer, Composer, Song-Writer, Legendary A.R. Rahman has touched our souls and gave us some blockbuster hits in the past and the present.
While most of the people will be partying all around the ‘city beautiful’ Chandigarh, some of Rahman’s fans can enjoy their Christmas Eve with the Rahman’s melodious & soul touching tracks.
The Back Room Chandigarh:
Situated in The Toy Hotel, The Back Room Bar & Cafe are having a Tribute Night to A.R. Rahman on the very auspicious night of Christmas Eve by playing his most famous tracks which will going to give you goosebumps. A.R. Rahman is a living legend and we all grew up listening to his melodies. This Christmas Eve is going to be the most beautiful eve for those who will be going to this place.
About The Back Room Chandigarh:
The Back Room Cafe & Bar have those great retro look ambience the food is just amazing. The services are good and you won’t have to wait in a queue if you visit this cafe. Everyone who visit this place, leaves with a good memory and look forward to visit the second time.
Address & Timing:
The Back Room Cafe, The Toy Hotel
SCO 165-167, Sector 34/A
Chandigarh
Timing: 9PM Onwards.
We hope that you all will enjoy the eve. We Wish you a Merry Christmas in advance.
Do let us know your experience in the comment section below.
Facts about Chandigarh: It would not be wrong to call Chandigarh a paradise on earth for its breathtakingly picturesque beauty. Isn’t it? Well, that’s why it is aptly known as “The City Beautiful”! The phenomenal and the impeccable precision with which it has been built, unlike most of the cities in the country is surely one of the reasons why the city is so admired and lauded across the nation.
A lovely abode for the residents, amazing events all year long, beautiful gardens, coolest hangout places, you name it and its there. However, there’s a lot more to the beauty of this city than you might think.
Here are some of the lesser known facts about Chandigarh, we bet you didn’t know about!
Sure you know about the architect who laid out the design of Chandigarh? The design layout for the city was originally given by the American architect, Albert Mayor and the Polish architect Maciej Nowicki. However, later on, the major changes were done by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.
In many of the cities of India, it is observed that there are statues of famous personalities installed in the parks etc, while in Chandigarh, there are no statues installed at any of its roundabouts, gardens or the parks.
Le Corbusier did not make a 13 sector in the city for the famous notion about it being an unlucky number.
Aeriel view of Chandigarh
Medieval Chandigarh was an abode for the Harappan civilisation. The fossil remains prove the presence of the Harappan culture long back in this area.
Chandigarh is the greenest city in the country, covered with Banyan, Eucalyptus, Ashoka, Cassia and mulberry plantations.
It is called the “Pensioners’ Paradise” for the convenient lifestyle that the city offers.
“Chandigarh” is the amalgam of two words – ‘Chandi’ for Maa Parvati or Maa Chandi and ‘Garh’ for fort. The city got its name from the famous Chandi Mata Mandir.
The City Beautiful and its essence – Now you know it all!
