Traders in Chandigarh’s Sector 17 scale down Diwali decor to support flood-hit families

In a show of solidarity with families affected by recent severe floods in neighbouring states, traders and shopkeepers in Chandigarh’s iconic Sector 17 have decided to keep this year’s Diwali decorations low-key. Known for its elaborate displays and crowd-pulling themes, Sector 17 usually becomes the highlight of the city’s festive celebrations. From vibrant lighting arrangements and floral decor to lucky draws and creative installations, the plaza draws thousands of visitors every year. However, this year, the festive spirit will be subdued as traders focus on supporting flood victims rather than extravagance.

Neeraj Bajaj, president of the Sector 17 Business Promotion Council, explained that preparations for the festive season usually begin as early as August, including planning themes, lighting, decorations, and events for Diwali and the New Year. “For the past three years, we have invested time and resources to make the plaza festive and attractive. But with floods affecting neighbouring states, our hearts weren’t in celebration,” Bajaj said. He added that after discussions, traders collectively decided to forgo the plaza-wide decorations. Individual stores may still decorate as per their choice, but the overall look of Sector 17 will remain simple and restrained. The last time plaza-wide decorations were skipped was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Sector 17’s decorations were a visual spectacle, featuring over 5,000 hanging umbrellas, 10,000 lights, artificial plants, mirrors, and a 30×60 feet ‘Mirror Plaza’ installation. Inspired by Portugal’s famous ‘Umbrella Street,’ the theme drew crowds for photography and social media, with total expenditure on decorations around ₹15 lakh. Bajaj added that another meeting will be held to decide whether the plaza will be decorated for New Year celebrations.

Meanwhile, relief efforts continue for flood victims. On October 1, Punjab Governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off a convoy of four trucks carrying relief material from Punjab Raj Bhavan to Fazilka and Amritsar in Punjab. The materials were arranged by the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, led by President Sanjeev Chadha, with contributions from Chandigarh Grain Market, led by President Mohit Sood.

Other sectors prepare for festive extravaganza

While Sector 17 is keeping a low profile this year, other city markets are gearing up for grand Diwali celebrations. Sector 35-C, for example, has already been decorated with lights, floral hangings, carpets, and other arrangements, according to Vinay Sachdeva, joint secretary of the Market Welfare Association. This year, the market is also hosting a ‘Mega Shopping Bonanza,’ where customers purchasing items over ₹5,000 can win bumper prizes, including three luxury cars, electronics, and consumer durables. The decorations will remain in place until December 28.

Similarly, Sector 22-D, a popular market for jewellery shopping, is hosting a ‘Shopping Fest’ with grand prizes for shoppers, including cars. Arvind Jain, president of Vyapar Sadan Chandigarh, said this year’s theme is western-inspired, with flower baskets, decorative materials, and a canopy of lights. These installations not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also encourage photo opportunities, drawing shoppers to the market.

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Festive preparations are also underway in other sectors, including 22, 19, 20, 15, and beyond. Charanjiv Singh, chairman of Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM), said that the city is buzzing with excitement as Diwali approaches. “Each market has adopted unique themes to enhance the shopping experience. We have asked all sector associations to maintain cleanliness, decor, and proper traffic and parking management,” he said. Awards will again be presented to the top markets for ‘Best Decorated Market’ and ‘Best Traffic/Parking Management,’ continuing a tradition from previous years.

This mixed approach highlights the city’s balance between celebration and sensitivity. While some markets are going all out with luxury prizes and elaborate decor, Sector 17 is deliberately subdued, focusing on compassion and support for flood-affected communities. The gesture has been widely appreciated by residents, who see it as a reflection of the city’s sense of community and empathy.

In conclusion, Chandigarh’s Diwali celebrations this year reflect both festive joy and social responsibility. Sector 17 traders have opted for restraint to honour flood victims, while other markets continue to provide vibrant experiences for shoppers. This combination ensures that the spirit of the festival is celebrated thoughtfully, balancing enjoyment with compassion, and demonstrating the city’s commitment to community values.