There’s no denying Chandigarh’s favourite pastime is stand-up comedy. And the sheer number of comedy nights/ festivals that this tricity plays host to, is further testimony to our love for laughter. Here’s one such festival that annually celebrates the legendary icon of Chandigarh’s spirit of comedy  – The Jaspal Bhatti Humour Festival.

What  : The Jaspal Bhatti Humour Festival ‘18
When : Mar 1 – Mar 3 | 6PM – 9PM
Where: Tagore Theatre

Punjabi culture is synonymous with living life to the fullest and laughing at ourselves is a major part of this philosophy of life. Perhaps that is why there is no defining Chandigarhians’ love for comedy and also the reason why we have given so many talented comedians to the country. Jaspal Bhatti was no different. Often referred to as the ‘King of Comedy’, Jaspal Bhatti was an iconic figure in India’s history of comic figures.

In honour of Jaspal Bhatti’s undying spirit as a comedian, The Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration brings to you this year’s edition of The Jaspal Bhatti Humour Festival, showcasing some of the most talented comedians in the circuit today. The festival is organised in commemoration of the late comedian and is a three day event, from March 1 to March 3, 2018 at our favourite Tagore Theatre, an age old and time tested auditorium (much like Sir Bhatti’s sense of humour).

The festival will witness performances by the likes of Chandan Prabhakar, Aditi Mittal, Maheep Singh, and Abhishek Upmanyu. But it doesn’t start and end with simple stand up acts performed back to back. The festival will also showcase a play titled ‘Chowki No. 10’  by the Flop Show team, keeping the spirit of the smash hit tv show alive after all these years.

For the unexposed, we’ll let you know ‘Flop Show’ was an Indian sitcom of the 90s, written and directed by none other than Jaspal Bhatti. The satirical comedian, along with his team, would present a volley of sketches and short skits that took a dig at various societal issues and thus grew to such a height of popularity that even today there is a dedicated fan following of the show.

Here’s the line up of the three day festival, but if you ask us, you should just skip the timetable and be there all three days as soon as the clock strikes 6.

Day 1
Binnu Dhillon
Chandan Prabhakar
Maheep Singh
Parvinder Singh
Shyam Rangeela

Day 2
Aditi Mittal
Jaspreet Singh
Kartikey Raj & Gang
(winners of India’s Best Dramebaaz)

Day 3
Dr. Sanket Bhosale
Abhishek Upmanyu
Abhishek Walia
Chowki No.10
(play by Flop Show team)

With Holi right around the corner, everyone is up and about planning where to go, what to wear, and buying colours to play with aplenty! But as far as venue goes, fret not, we have you sorted.

Citizens of the tricity unite! This festival of colours we know just the place you should head to for a day of unending fun and merrymaking. So, we looked up the weather conditions for Friday, March 2, and guess what? A sunny day with just the right amount of cloud cover lies ahead. An ideal day to be out, enjoying the thrill of watery colours and delicious food. All you need is a big open space to play in, a rain dance, and the right kind of beats to dance to. Here’s our pick for a memorable holi.

What : Rangotsav Music Fest
When : Friday | March 2 | 11AM onwards
Where: Pallavi Hotels And Resorts, Panchkula

The Rangotsav Music Fest hosted by Pallavi Hotels and Resorts in Panchkula is where you’ll want to go. With the promise of the best DJs in the tricity playing through the day, Pumkin Entertainment has laid out an open invitation to all and sundry to come and paint the skies (and yourselves) in the myriad hues of pink, orange, red, yellow, blue, and green. Organic colours too will be available at the venue.

The artist line up includes groundbreaking popular DJs Amrit Maan and Kiran Kamath, along with DJ RDG, Sun Ground, Soundstorm, and up and coming DJ Harsh and DJ Vinay. That’s right, our very own Desi Munda aka Bomb Jatt Amrit Maan will be headlining the event with his crowd favourites “Jatt Fire Karda” (singer Diljit Dosanjh), “Kaali Camaro”, “Yaar Jundi De” (singer Ammy Virk), “Shikaar”, “Akh Da Nishana”, and “Haan Kargi”(singer Ammy Virk), to name a few. This Bathinda boy initially set out to become a lyricist but went on to receive love from his fans as a DJ. He is also the mastermind behind “Desi Da Drum”, “Sach Te Supna”, and “Muchh Te Mashook”, and has collaborated with the likes of Jazzy B, Jasmine Sandlas, and too many more to list out over here.

If you’re still contemplating whether to go or not, god help you. Because while you’re happily reading away this blog, others are grabbing tickets to the biggest Holi party in town. To grab yours, head over here. Have a safe and happy holi 🙂

It’s that time of the year again when Himalayas are blanketed with snow and lakes are more like blocks of frozen ice. The one and only time of the year when you can bring out the winter child in you and indulge in some snow games and powder activity! So, we decided to curate a list of some of the best places in India for you to don your snow goggles and indulge in the winter sport of your choice – be it skiing, snowboarding, or even ice skating!

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
This one just had to be at the very top of our list! A quaint little tourist town that thrives on winter tourism, Gulmarg seems to have been tailor made for adventure and winter sport enthusiasts in India. Whether you’re looking to ski, snowboard, or just play around in the snow, this is the place to go. From amatuers to professional sportsmen, Gulmarg has a practice slope and training courses for all levels of skiing and snowboarding aficionados, as well as some of the topmost ski resorts in the country. Moreover, the Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car lines in the world, and takes you all the way up to Mt. Apharwat, if you want to be so bold as to try that! Other fun activities that you can take up in Gulmarg are ice-skating, sledding, and riding snowmobiles.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
This destination is for all the ice-skating lovers out there. Shimla is home to the largest and the only naturally formed skating rink in the country. The open-air rink attracts amateurs and professionals from all over the country every year. Open skies and clear weather is the unique selling point of this skating rink. All kinds of ice skating equipment and gear is also available for hire at the rink. The uninitiated can avail temporary membership and learn at their own pace. Sessions are held through the day and training is based on your skill level. Moreover, who wouldn’t be motivated to pick up this sport when you see highly skilled and trained experts gliding past you as if they were merely floating on ice!

Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
It may not have the infrastructure of Gulmarg, but Solang Valley is not a place to be underestimated when it comes to winter sports. Possibly the second most popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in India, Solang is alive and thriving with sport activity all through the winter months. A skiing festival is organised in Solang every year, bringing together fanatics from all over the country in celebration of this sport. Skiing courses for all levels are available. Moreover, Rohtang, not too far from Solang, boasts of being one of the best heli-skiing destinations in India. Those looking for ‘off-piste’, i.e. non-crowded, uncharted skiing territory with fresh powder, should opt for this heli-skiing destination first and foremost.

Phuni & Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Okay, here’s one for people who just can’t bear to deal with crowds and overworked slopes. The lesser known of skiing destinations in India, Phuni Valley and Yumthang Valley are located approximately 18 km and 25 km, respectively, outside of Lachung in Sikkim. Since not many people know about these two valleys, you’ll find relatively empty slopes and can ski or snowboard away to your heart’s content. Without the disturbance of loud, cacophonous groups of tourists and blithering idiots crashing into you, anyone who wishes to glide down in serenity can do so, irrespective of their skill level. Moreover, it’s the ideal destination for beginners, since you’ll want empty space to experiment with your equipment and your newfound love for skiing/snowboarding.

‘Tis the season of love y’all! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we figured we’ll put together something of an itinerary for those of you out there who want that perfect day with your special someone, but just can’t find the time to get down to the meticulous planning of it all. We did the dirty work so you and your loved one can go reap the fruits. Thank us later 🙂

Start The Day of Love at Rose Garden
Well, this one should be a little obvious, isn’t it? Roses have been a symbol of romance since as far back as we can remember… or, er, at least movies and songs tell us so! Take your loved one on a stroll through this enchanting paradise of a garden and let yourself be engulfed by the fragrance of roses early in the morning. Now would also be a good time to gift each other those flowers you forgot to purchase on Rose Day.

Breakfast at French Press Cafe
Head on over to this cute little cafe not far from Rose Garden, for a truly European experience of love. And what better place to pick than French Press, for isn’t France home to the capital of romance, a la Paris! We’ve heard great things about the coffee here. Sip along as you indulge yourselves in hours of conversation about all things great and small.

A Gift From The Heart
Head on over to your favourite gift shop after breakfast to commemorate your day of love. We’ll leave the choice of gift upto you, however, for only you two can know what the other’s heart craves. Perhaps a t-shirt that your loved one has been eyeing for days, or a picture frame to archive this special day of the year, or maybe you’ll want to purchase those couples items that come in pairs, like mugs or cushions or a His & Hers kit?

Watch A Tale of Undying Love
This is the day of fantasies and fairytales. Head on over to a movie theatre and catch a tale of love of your choice, one that rings true to your story. Watch your own story come alive as the actors in the film portray theirs. Our vote goes to Padmaavat, a medieval era love story of the king and queen of Chittor, whose love held them close even through separation. Let their tale inspire your love and devotion to each other through the toughest of hurdles in your own relationship.

Drive Out To Morni Hills
No date can be complete without the quintessential romantic drive through a picturesque landscape. We know you may not be able get too far away from the city, so we have just the perfect place picked out for you. Morni Hills, with its verdant foliage and refreshing air, is just the place to go! It’s not too far out but just distant enough to get away from the rush and pollution of the city, out into the peace and quiet of the hills.

A Timber Trail Finale
What better way to end this day of romance than at a picturesque resort along the timber trail, not far from Morni Hills. The region offers a wide variety of nature retreats and resorts by the countryside. Find one that fits your budget and and let mother earth engulf you in her womb. Stroll under the moonlit sky and gaze away at the vast expanse of the universe, condensed to mere stars in the night. Afterall, the cosmos has been conspiring all day long to bring you this very moment of perfection.