With 5,000 hanging umbrellas, 10,000 lights, Sec 17 market decks up to attract festival crowd

“We are decking up Sector 17 in a really unique manner this time. There is not just one theme, but different themes in various corners. Like at one corner we even have the forest theme,” Neeraj Bagga, President, Chandigarh Business council told The Indian Express.

Bagga said unlike last time, a tunnel has not been made, but different lighting designs are present at every corner. “This has been done so that people don’t find everything the same everywhere, and they can experience different lighting designs at different corners,” he added.

Bagga further said the association has also brought in 5,000 colourful umbrellas, which are not just being put up at the entrance, but in the entire plaza. Floating umbrellas are placed in the fountain area too.

“Most of the people rush to Elante mall to feel the festive vibes while it was Sector 17 which was initially the preference for any festive vibe. Last year too, we saw crowds turning up to see our decked up plaza and that’s how we decided to light up this time as well,” he added.

There are about 200 traders in the high-profile sector. Even though the malls have been pulling all the crowds from the region, last year Sector 17 too was a crowd puller due to the decorations.

“Sector 17 plaza is usually preferred by people only during winters to soak in the sun. We will try to keep this lighting and decoration till New year’s,” another shopkeeper said.

Other than the floating lights, lights on all the shops, trees have also been decorated.

The shopkeepers also said that for the entertainment of the crowd, especially children, various events have been planned in the plaza.

The list of events and the schedule of the programmes shall be released later by the market association.