Chandigarh joins big cities with its own souvenirs

Chandigarh has joined big cities like London, New York and Singapore by releasing its own souvenirs and memorabilia.

Chandigarh, Aug 23 : Chandigarh has joined big cities like London, New York and Singapore by releasing its own souvenirs and memorabilia.

Vivek Atray, Director of Tourism in Chandigarh, released an array of memorabilia in keeping with an initiative taken up by the Department of Tourism last year.

Tourists can now take back attractive coffee mugs, mouse pads, paperweights, pen sets, T-shirts, caps, key-chains and magnets as a keepsake of their visit to the "City Beautiful".

"People would remember their visit to Chandigarh, to the Rock Garden, to the Lake by these (memorabilia)," said Atray.

Chandigarh's Tourism Department invited famous comedian and satire specialist Jaspal Bhatti, the creator of the world famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh - Nek Chand and India's number one woman Golfer - Irina Brar to the release function, since they all hail from Chandigarh.

These celebrities, who have been successful in putting Chandigarh on the international map through their exploits in chosen fields, were happy to be associated with the event.

Nek Chand, a self-taught artist, said this tourism department effort would benefit the city, and also enable tourists to carry memories of Chandigarh back with them.

"Visitors who come to Chandigarh do not know what the tourist spots are but with these souvenirs, they will come to know, It is very good initiative," said Nek Chand.

The Tourism Department is already working towards providing modern facilities for tourists. One such measure has been the roll out of a branded, convenient and economical taxi service. The potential of the countryside is also being sold hard to foreign tourists.

The idea is to satiate the foreign tourist about rural India. Empanelled guides, explain every detail of rural life to tourists, take foreigners around designated villages near Chandigarh. Some adventurous tourist's even try out farm related chores quite enthusiastically.

"Everybody should contribute for promoting Chandigarh tourism. It is high time, we do something for Chandigarh," affirmed Jaspal Bhatti.

The famous French architect, Le Corbusier, planned Chandigarh. Picturesquely located at the foothills of Shivaliks, it is known as one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in 20th century India.

ANI