Carnival to have int'l presence

CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Carnival is also going to have international participation with exhibits and cultural performances from France, Hungary, Japan and Germany featuring in it. The two-day event would begin on November 22.
Addressing a joint press conference, UT home secretary Ram Niwas, CITCO managing director Niharika Rai, SSP SS Srivastava, director (tourism) Samwartak Singh and director (public relations) RS Verma said the carnival village would have the state of Punjab as its theme this year.
The huts for the carnival village have been constructed using materials like bamboo, jute bags, mud paste and decorated with handicrafts by NK Sathi. There will also be an "Air Force Display" for the first time at the carnival.
"CITCO Da Vehra" would be set up by Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management and Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management to provide fine food to the visitors. The Le Corbusier Centre would also have a stall.
There will be joyrides and a traffic park for children.
Haryana Tourism is also putting up its 'Chaupal' which would offer cuisine from the state and Rajasthan as well.
UT administrator Gen (retd) SF Rodrigues will inaugurate the carnival and flag off its parade on November 22. The parade will go from Matka Chowk to Sector-16 stadium roundabout before concluding at Rose Garden in front of the Chandigarh Carnival Site.
Name the mascot
UT administration will conduct an SMS contest to find a name for the carnival's mascot. The mascot figures on all banners and hoardings of the carnival, hugging the open hand symbol of the city. Director (tourism) Samwartak Singh said, "Just like Appu, the mascot for (1982) Asian Games, the small boy would be named by the contest's winner."
HS inspects floats
UT home secretary Ram Niwas visited Leisure Valley and Government College of Art, Sector 10, to look at the preparation of floats, which would be part of the Chandigarh Carnival parade. Niwas appreciated the efforts put in by students in creating the colourful floats. The college has been regularly taking part in the carnival. A total of 18 floats are being built and around 125 students under the guidance of their teachers are making them. The floats would be mounted on rickshaws for the parade. College principal Archana Shastri and coordinator DS Kapoor were present during the visit.