Google Map Of Chandigarh

History of the Name:

The city of Chandigarh got its name from the Goddess Chandi, the God of power and Garh meaning Fortress. In ancient times a temple called Chandi Mandir, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chandi, existed at the site where the city is now located. Behind this temple was located a fort. Hence, the name Chandigarh was derived from combining the name of the temple and the fort.

Demographics:

As per the Union Government, Chandigarh is one of the few States or Union Territories of India that achieved the two children per couple target set by the National Population Policy.

• The total current population of Chandigarh is approximately between 15 and 20 lakhs.
• When the city was being planned, it was planned for a population of half a million people.
• Males constitute about 56% and females about 44%.

Geography:

Surrounded by three States, Chandigarh is located at the foothills of the Shivalik mountain ranges. Bordering Haryana in the east and Punjab on all other sides, it is also minutes away from Himachal Pradesh in the north.

• Located at a height of 365 meters above sea-level, Chandigarh is the first planned modern city of India designed by the French architect Le Corbusier
• The whole State covers an area of approximately 44.5 square miles.

Climate:

Chandigarh has a very humid and subtropical climate characterized with unreliable rainfall and wide fluctuations in summer and winter temperatures.

• Sometimes snowfall takes place during the months of December and January.
• Spring from mid-February to mid-March and autumn from mid-March to April are the most pleasant times of the year.

History of the City:

When the Indian sub-continent underwent partition in 1947, the region of Punjab was also split between India and Pakistan. Lahore, the capital of undivided Punjab was now in Pakistan, so a new capital was needed for Indian Punjab. After much thought and contemplation by Pt. Nehru and other leaders, it was decided to construct a new and planned city for the capital. In 1966, Haryana was carved out of eastern part for the majority Haryanvi population. Chandigarh has since been serving as the capital of both States.

Demographics:

A very large part of the Chandigarh population consists of people who moved from Punjab and Haryana to fill up the several government jobs that opened up when many institutions were set up. Due to its Punjabi influence, Hindi and Punjabi languages are the most widely spoken languages.
Chandigarh has the lowest ratio of females to males, 777 to 1000, in the country.

Economy:

A major employer in the city of Chandigarh is the government as three governments have their base there. However, other industries such as food products, auto-parts, pharmaceuticals and paper, also have a major presence in Chandigarh.
The defense forces also have bases in the city.

Culture:

Chandigarh, being a modern planned city has attracted people from all parts of India. This is very aptly reflected in the cosmopolitan culture of the city.

• The Rajiv Gandhi Software Technology Park has contributed significantly to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.
• Also the Cultural Complex in Sector 10 is a perfect showcase of the varied culture of Chandigarh.

Cuisine:

Being influenced heavily by Punjab, the cuisine of Chandigarh is generally spicy and makes use of a lot of oil and ghee. One doesn’t find a lot of exotic sauces or marinades, but just exuberance of spices with large helpings of oil or ghee.

• Wheat items such as Makki Di Roti and Parathas are extremely popular.
• Beverages such as buttermilk and lassi are staple thirst quenchers.

Festivals:

The dynamic and lively people of Chandigarh are always in a festive mood. All festivals have some sort of legends, traditional songs, dances and cuisine associated with them.
Some of the major festivals are Baisakhi, Lohri, Holla Mohalla, Gurpurab and Karwa Chauth.

Religions:

Chandigarh is an extremely secular and diverse city which has a Hindu population of approximately 79%, followed by 16% Sikhs and 4% Muslims.