Chandigarh Location Recce Day 3

Day 3

Early morning, the crew reached the Bollywood Facilitation Cell at UT guest house. We had waited in vain for a connecting bus from CTU Bus terminal. The frequency is notoriously spaced out and erratic. 

However, at the UT guest house, we were greeted by the nice people whom we were corresponding and co-ordinating for the last two months. In a largish mezzanine reception area, we were received and the due papers and clerical work signed off. The cell is as smoothly administered as the city. No red flags or red tapes. And I can say with certitude that every single bullet point on their posters and website is true. You can find out so on your own if you want.

We walked through the Sukhna Lake road towards the Sector-4, as it was too early for the water body shots and boat pedalling. We shall return for that when the light is just right.

Rock Garden

Next up was a place that we were quite excitedly looking forward to. In our schools we were taught that Nek Chand designed the Rock Garden. It doesn’t explain much else. They should. There’s such detailed artistry and a nonchalance towards the traditional concepts that it hits you in your head. Here the unconventional has a way to surprise and awe with its splendor, fluidity and regularity of occurrence.

The making of Chandigarh provided the site, opportunity and material for Nek Chand’s own creation and the city’s people and government supported his creative process all through. Without Chandigarh there would be no Rock Garden. Yet there is a clear contrast between the city’s grid patterns streets linking sector to sector and the Rock garden’s labyrinthine paths on which the journey is the purpose.  

Nek Chand had observed building methods of Le Corbusier and developed them through his own interpretations. His innovative techniques include using drum and sacks to mould concrete for walls, pillars etc. and curtains of wire gripped in frames and clad with pebbles and cement. He also has hydraulic engineering skills, designing an efficient water pumping system for the waterfalls that channel rainwater all year along. The blend of artistic vision and technical competence contribute to the scale and variety of the Rock Garden.

It is a whole lifetime’s work that calls out for more mavericks like him. Not for nothing is he conferred the Padma Shri.Tickets at the Rock Garden for adults are 20 bucks each and it is an absolute steal for such an absolute delight.

Sector 16 stadium

We were supposed to meet the Joint director of Sports Mr. Sidhu at the Sector 16 stadium. As it happened, he jauntily skipped that meeting for another one. As it is, were there to do a small recce.

Lots of localites team in and out of the stadium which always has budding cricketers polishing their skills on the manicured lawns and concrete pitches. It is a beautiful ground set amidst the ink blue of the sky and chlorophyll green of the fauna around it. Plus it is used regularly unlike a lot of other places where a built facility is never accessible to the public and hence never used to good effects. (My hint is towards the grounds that are rented for marriage receptions)

Even after a long day’s work, I was happy as a bird with a French fry. Because, that’s exactly what I had at the market place. I followed that up with a softie near Neelam theatre. I had had a vanilla-chocolate one after a long time. It felt quite rewarding too as we were walking and scouting a lot and clocking decent miles during the day. The packed schedule meant we were walking swiftly too.

Next up was a plate of chicken momos @ 30 bucks a plate. Fiery and soft. The stomach is happily mixing everything in. So a long day segues into a wintery night. Good night!