UT to celebrate 100th birth anniversary of Nek Chand
The Administration is gearing up to celebrate the centenary birth anniversary of Nek Chand, the creator of the Rock Garden, with a series of grand events to be held at the tourist spot in Sector 1 from December 9 to 15. His birth anniversary falls on December 15.
The week-long festivities will feature an eclectic mix of cultural performances aimed at promoting regional art forms. Artistes, including bazigars, nachars, been-jogis and behrupias, from different parts of India will perform, showcasing the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
The events will culminate on December 15 with a musical chairs programme for the public at Phase-III of the Rock Garden. A Millet Mela, to be organised by the Rock Garden Society, will add a traditional touch to the festivities, highlighting the importance of millets in sustainable living.
In the evenings, musical performances will be organised by the Chandigarh Tourism Department in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC).
On December 12, renowned Sufi singer Kanwar Grewal will captivate the audience with his soulful music, promising a memorable evening for attendees.
Spread over 40 acres, the Rock Garden attracts around 5,000 visitors every day, including international tourists, and generates a revenue of Rs 1 lakh per day. Created from industrial and urban waste, it stands as a testament to Nek Chand’s creativity and perseverance. Initially developed in secret, the garden was later embraced by the administration and opened to the public on January 24, 1976.