Festivals

The city of Ambala came alive with vibrant colors, traditional music, and joyful celebrations as women across the region marked the auspicious festival of Teej with great enthusiasm and devotion. Celebrated to welcome the monsoon and honor the bond of marriage, Teej festivities reflected Haryana’s rich cultural heritage and strong community ties. From early morning, temples and community halls witnessed a steady gathering of women dressed in bright green, red, and yellow attire, adorned with traditional jewelry and henna (mehndi). Special prayers were offered for marital bliss, good health, and prosperity, followed by rituals observing the age-old customs associated with the festival. Public parks and local venues in Ambala hosted cultural programs featuring folk songs, traditional dances, swings (jhoolas) decorated with flowers, and friendly competitions such as mehndi design, rangoli, and traditional attire contests. The rhythmic beats of dhol and the melodious Teej songs added to the festive atmosphere, drawing families and visitors to join in the celebrations. Local women’s groups and social organizations played an active role in organizing events that promoted cultural awareness and social bonding. Traditional sweets like ghewar, kheer, and malpua were shared among friends and relatives, strengthening the spirit of togetherness.

The city of Ambala witnessed vibrant and spiritually uplifting Dussehra celebrations as thousands of residents gathered across various locations to mark the victory of good over evil. The festival was celebrated with traditional fervor, cultural performances, and elaborate rituals, reflecting the city’s rich heritage and communal harmony. Major Dussehra grounds in Ambala City and Ambala Cantt were beautifully decorated, drawing families, devotees, and visitors from nearby areas. The highlight of the evening was the symbolic burning of towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran, accompanied by fireworks and loud cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. Cultural programs, including Ramleela performances, devotional songs, and folk dances, were organized by local committees in the days leading up to Dussehra. Artists portrayed scenes from the Ramayana, spreading the timeless message of righteousness, truth, and moral values among all age groups. District administration and police officials ensured smooth conduct of the celebrations with heightened security arrangements, traffic management, and emergency services. Fire safety teams and medical staff were deployed at major venues to ensure public safety.

he city of Ambala came alive in a vibrant display of lights, colors, and joy as residents celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor. From bustling markets to residential colonies, the entire city sparkled with decorative lamps, floral rangolis, and festive illumination. Major markets such as Sadar Bazaar, Cloth Market, and Jagadhri Gate witnessed heavy footfall as families shopped for sweets, gifts, new clothes, and decorative items. Local shopkeepers reported a significant boost in business, calling this year’s festive season one of the most encouraging in recent times. Homes and temples across Ambala were adorned with diyas, candles, and LED lights, while devotees gathered in temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. Special Lakshmi-Ganesh pujas were performed, marking the spiritual significance of the festival. In line with environmental awareness, many residents opted for eco-friendly celebrations, using earthen lamps and limiting firecracker use. Several housing societies and social groups organized community Diwali gatherings, cultural programs, and safe fireworks displays, promoting unity and responsible celebration.

The festival of Lohri was celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional spirit across Ambala on Monday evening, bringing together families, communities, and neighborhoods in a vibrant display of culture and unity. As the sun set, residents gathered around bonfires, a central symbol of Lohri, offering rewri, gajak, peanuts, popcorn, and sesame sweets while singing traditional Punjabi folk songs. The warmth of the fire and the rhythmic beats of dhol filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere across residential colonies, marketplaces, and town squares. Special celebrations were organized in housing societies, schools, and community centers, where cultural programs showcased Bhangra and Gidda performances by children and youth. Many newlywed couples and families celebrating the birth of newborns marked their first Lohri with special prayers and rituals. Local temples and gurudwaras in Ambala also witnessed gatherings, where devotees prayed for prosperity, happiness, and a good harvest season. Several social organizations used the occasion to distribute sweets and warm clothes to the underprivileged, spreading the message of sharing and togetherness.

The holy festival of Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with immense devotion and spiritual fervor across Ambala as thousands of devotees thronged temples from the early hours of the morning to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Prominent temples, including Shri Ambika Devi Mandir, Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, and several neighborhood shrines, witnessed long queues of devotees performing jal abhishek with holy water, milk, honey, and bel leaves. The atmosphere resonated with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” as priests conducted special Rudrabhishek and Shivling poojas throughout the day. Devotees observed day-long fasts and participated in night-long vigils (jaagran), bhajans, and kirtans, highlighting the spiritual significance of the festival, which marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Many families also distributed prasad and langar at temple premises, reflecting the spirit of service and community bonding. Local authorities ensured smooth arrangements for crowd management, cleanliness, and security around major temples. Traffic diversions were implemented in sensitive areas to facilitate safe movement of devotees, while volunteers assisted the elderly and children.