There are many things that the States of Punjab and Harayana have in common; the most important of these is a common capital, Chandigarh. Since both states have laid claims to the city, it is administered by the Central Government as a Union Territory till a final decision regarding its future is made. However, in the same city reside governors of the two states; in same office buildings but on different floors are their separate secretariats and their respective High Courts.

Chandigarh was conceived and born in the 1950's and was the master plan of the European modern architect Le Corbusier. Covering an area of 114 sq. km, it is the first 'planned' city of India. It lies on the edge of the Shivalik Hills, the outermost edge of the Himalayas. The city is named after Goddess Chandi Devi (a form of Shakti), whose white-domed temple stands on the slope of a hill in the northeast of the city.

Divided into sectors, the city it's separated by broad avenues and has neatly laid out roads and parks, buildings, boulevards and streets lined by endless rows of trees and shrubs.