Chandigarh, January 27, 2016: Located in the city best known for its urban planning and modern architecture;Taj Chandigarh, was privileged to host the Honourable French President Francois Hollande during his official visit to Chandigarh as a part of his three-day visit to India. This is the second time that the French president is coming to Chandigarh.

Surinder Singh, General Manager, Taj Chandigarh received the French President at the Taj Chandigarh on the afternoon of January 24with a delightful Punjabi welcome;traditional aarti, tika, garlands, flower shower, music, et al. As part of the traditional welcome, the folk music artists (dholis) played lively beatson the dhols that resonated with the happy vibes of the city and the hotel, while women weaving ‘Phulkari’, a unique cloth embroidery from the region provided a glimpse into Punjab’s art heritage. The hotel lobby was decorated with daisy, orchids, anthurium, Chrysanthemum and roses.

Hewas then escorted to the presidential suite overlooking the famous rose garden and the leisure valley where he spent some leisure time followed by a lunch. Taj Chandigarh’s chef crafted a special Punjabi menu that plated an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare from the region for the dignitary’s lunch. The French President then proceeded to visit Rock Garden where he was joined by Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

Post the visit, the dignitaries returned to the hotel where they were welcomed with flower bouquets by the General Manager in the backdrop of folk artists performing traditional dance of Punjab. They were treated to the famed masala chai with Punjabi snacks; kathal ke pakode, achari mushroom quiche and mini gulab jamun.

PresidentHollande is visiting India to be the guest of honour at the two-hour military parade for India’s 67th Republic Day. The French President was keen on visiting Chandigarh as it was designed by a renowned French architect, Le Corbusier in the 1950’s.

Located a 40 minutes’ drive from the airport and in the city’s prime business and shopping area, Taj Chandigarh is suited for both business and leisure travellers.

President Francois Hollande will then visit New Delhi to attend the Republic Day celebrations and will be hosted at Taj Palace, New Delhi. He will be staying at the luxurious Tata Suite that is outstandingly crafted for Heads of State, royalty and world leaders. The Tata Suite has played host to many world leaders in the past such as Chinese President Xi Jiping; Japanese Emperor and Empress, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko; French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the First Lady, Carla Sarkozy Bruni; Her Majesty Queen Maxima of Netherland and the Princess of Belgium to name a few. The Tata Suite encapsulates a slice of history, legend, contemporary comfort for the discerning few and proves to be a memorable stay for the delegates.

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)