CHANDIGARH, Oct 3 — In an unusual departure from its tradition of elaborate festive displays, Chandigarh’s landmark Sector 17 Plaza will go quiet on Diwali decorations this year, as traders and shopkeepers have chosen to keep celebrations subdued in solidarity with flood-affected families in neighboring states.
“For the past three years, we have been planning grand celebrations for the festive season, starting from Navratri and continuing till New Year,” said Neeraj Bajaj, president of the Sector 17 Business Promotion Council. “But with our neighbouring states facing severe floods, our hearts weren’t in celebration. After discussions, traders collectively decided to forgo the plaza-wide decorations this year.”
Unlike previous years—when Sector 17 dazzled with themes such as last year’s “Umbrella Street” inspired by Portugal, featuring over 5,000 colorful umbrellas, 10,000 lights, artificial plants, mirrors, and a 30×60 feet “Mirror Plaza” at a cost of about ₹15 lakh—the market will remain low profile. Individual stores may put up lights or displays, but the plaza will not be dressed in its usual spectacle. Bajaj added that the last time Sector 17 skipped decorations was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another meeting will be held later to decide whether New Year festivities will see a return of the plaza décor.
The choice comes at a time when relief efforts for flood victims are still ongoing. On October 1, Punjab Governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off four trucks of relief material from Punjab Raj Bhavan to flood-hit areas in Fazilka and Amritsar. The supplies were arranged by Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, led by president Sanjeev Chadha, with support from the Chandigarh Grain Market under its president Mohit Sood.
While the city’s central plaza remains subdued, markets in other sectors are leaning into festive enthusiasm. Sector 35-C, for instance, is set to host a “Mega Shopping Bonanza” with prizes including three luxury cars, electronics, and consumer durables. “Our inner market is already beautifully decorated with lights, floral hangings, carpets, and other arrangements,” said Vinay Sachdeva, joint secretary of the Market Welfare Association of Sector 35-C. “The decorations will remain until December 28.”
Sector 22-D, popular for its jewellery shops, is also preparing to lure shoppers with prizes and themed décor. “This time, we are planning western-themed decorations with flower baskets and other arrangements. The entire market will be decorated with a canopy of lights,” said Arvind Jain, president of Vyapar Sadan Chandigarh.
Similar shopping festivals and decoration drives are under way in sectors 22, 19, 20, 15 and others, creating a contrasting festive mood across the Union Territory.
“As the festival of lights nears, the city is abuzz with excitement. Each market has adopted unique concepts to enhance the shopping experience,” said Charanjiv Singh, chairman of Chandigarh Beopar Mandal. “We have urged all sector market associations to maintain cleanliness, décor, and smooth traffic and parking management. Awards will be presented to the top markets for ‘Best Decorated Market’ and ‘Best Traffic/Parking Management,’ like last year.”
The contrasting approaches underscore a Diwali season where community compassion and consumer buzz are unfolding side by side in Chandigarh.
