Chandigarh, 10 December 2024: A century after the birth of Nek Chand, the visionary creator of Chandigarh’s iconic Rock Garden, his extraordinary legacy continues to inspire and attract visitors worldwide.
The week-long celebrations for Nek Chand’s 100th birth anniversary began on Monday with an inaugural ceremony at the Rock Garden, presided over by UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. The events, running from December 9 to December 15, commemorate the artist’s genius through a series of cultural and interactive programs.
The ceremony opened at the Nek Chand Memorial within the Rock Garden complex, where lamps were lit, and floral tributes were offered to a wax statue of the artist. A blood donation camp, organized by the Rock Garden Society, also marked the occasion, drawing enthusiastic public participation.
Addressing attendees, Kataria praised Nek Chand’s creativity and resilience. “The Rock Garden is a living example of how discarded materials can be transformed into breathtaking works of art,” he said. “It reminds us that waste holds potential beauty. Recognized with the Padma Shri in 1984, Nek Chand’s achievements show how determination can accomplish the impossible.”
Several dignitaries, including UT Adviser Rajeev Verma, UT Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, and Chief Engineer CB Ojha, attended the event alongside other senior officials of the UT administration.
Cultural performances by traditional artists such as bazigars, nachars, been jogis, behrupias, and nagada players celebrated India’s diversity, reflecting the inclusivity central to Nek Chand’s vision. The festivities also include daily evening musical performances in Phase-3 of the garden, along with engaging activities like a musical chairs event for visitors. A “Millet Mela” has been organized to promote sustainable agriculture and healthy living practices, showcasing the nutritional benefits of millets.
Spread across 40 acres in Sector 1, the Rock Garden sees a daily footfall of approximately 5,000 visitors, including many international tourists, and generates an income of ₹1 lakh per day. It remains one of the region’s most profitable tourist attractions.
Built secretly by Nek Chand, a former road inspector, the Rock Garden was discovered and opened to the public on January 24, 1976. Over the decades, it has expanded into three interconnected phases featuring sculptures of dancers, musicians, birds, animals, and artificial waterfalls—all crafted from industrial and urban waste. The garden stands as a testament to Nek Chand’s unparalleled imagination and resourcefulness, preserving his enduring influence on art and environmental consciousness.