The Mohali Carnival 2026 – Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela was one of the most awaited events of the year in Mohali, bringing together culture, entertainment, art, entrepreneurship, and music in a ten-day extravaganza. Held from 1 February to 10 February 2026 at the SARAS Mela Ground in Sector 88, SAS Nagar (Mohali), the carnival reflected the spirit of Punjab while celebrating the strength and creativity of women across the state.
Organised by the Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar) district administration, the event was part of the broader Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela 2026 initiative a platform designed to support and empower women self-help groups (SHGs), artisans, and small entrepreneurs through exhibitions, performances, cultural showcases, and market opportunities.
Opening and Overview of Mohali Carnival 2026
The carnival opened with much fanfare on 1 February 2026, welcoming visitors from Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula, and neighbouring regions. Every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the SARAS Mela Ground bustled with activity — colourful stalls, cultural presentations, live music, amusement rides, food courts, and performances representing Punjabi heritage and artistic talent.
The core vision of the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela is empowerment — showcasing women-led enterprises, traditional crafts, and regional products, while creating a lively environment for families, youth, and tourists. Markets featured handcrafted jewellery, textiles, organic products, home décor, and artisanal goods sourced from across Punjab.
Alongside the marketplace, a rich lineup of entertainment and cultural programming kept crowds engaged throughout the carnival, making it both a festival of talent and a community celebration.
Music and Live Performances
A major highlight of Mohali Carnival 2026 was its star singer nights and live musical performances — drawing large crowds and amplifying the festive atmosphere each evening.
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Kanwar Grewal: The opening night on 1 February was marked by a soulful performance from Punjabi folk and Sufi artist Kanwar Grewal. Known for his evocative voice and meaningful lyrics, Grewal’s set created an unforgettable start to the carnival and enhanced the cultural experience for visitors.
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Basant Kaur: Social posts from the event revealed the energetic presence of Basant Kaur, whose folk-inspired numbers drew enthusiastic applause and connected with audiences on the themes of Punjabi culture and community.
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Other Artist Highlights: While organisers scheduled “daily star singer nights,” additional performers were also featured as part of the entertainment line-up during the ten days — spanning diverse genres and styles. (Exact full schedule and performer list varied daily and was shared locally on social profiles.)
Beyond music, cultural shows, dance performances, and local art presentations further enriched the entertainment experience throughout the carnival, blending contemporary appeal with traditional heritage.
Food, Shopping, and Fun for Families
A central element of the Mohali Carnival was its well-curated food courts and shopping zones:
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Food Delights: Visitors enjoyed a range of local Punjabi cuisine — from classic favourites to street snacks and sweet treats. The diverse food offerings complemented the carnival’s festive vibe, making it a culinary destination for families and friends.
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Shopping and Exhibits: The Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela section hosted stalls from women-led groups, traditional artisans, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Guests could explore handmade textiles, Phulkari embroidery, handicrafts, organic produce, handmade candles, jewellery, and more — many products created with local cultural motifs and techniques.
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Family Activities: Amusement rides, swings, games, and interactive installations ensured that children and adults alike found enjoyment beyond the performances and marketplace.
Location, Date & Timings — Everything You Need to Know
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Event Name: Mohali Carnival 2026 – Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela
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Dates: 1 February to 10 February 2026
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Venue: SARAS Mela Ground, Sector 88, Mohali (SAS Nagar)
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Timings: Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Organisers: SAS Nagar District Administration & Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Department
The central location in Mohali (SAS Nagar) made the event accessible to neighbouring urban centres. These centre are such as Chandigarh and Panchkula, boosting attendance the carnival’s reputation in North India.
Impact and Cultural Significance
The Mohali Carnival is more than just a festive fair — it has significant cultural and social importance:
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Women Empowerment: Anchored by Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela, the event prioritised women’s entrepreneurial visibility, supporting their creativity and economic independence.
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Cultural Preservation: Through music, dance, and crafts, the carnival helped preserve and promote Punjab’s vibrant cultural identity.
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Community Engagement: Locals and visitors alike embraced the carnival as a shared celebration of traditions, talent, and collective spirit.
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Economic Boost: With hundreds of stalls and exhibitions, the event provided marketing opportunities for SHGs and MSMEs. In this carnival you will get highlighting of the economic potential of such community-driven initiatives.
FAQs about Mohali Carnival 2026
Q1. What is Mohali Carnival 2026?
A: Mohali Carnival 2026 is a ten-day cultural and entertainment event held at SARAS Mela Ground. This ground is as part of the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela, featuring music, exhibits, food, rides, and empowerment showcases.
Q2. When and where did Mohali Carnival take place?
A: The event ran from 1 February to 10 February 2026 at SARAS Mela Ground, Sector 88, Mohali (SAS Nagar).
Q3. Who performed at Mohali Carnival 2026?
A: The carnival opened with a performance by Kanwar Grewal, and also featured other artists. Other like Basant Kaur, with daily star singer nights.
Q4. What is the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela?
A: It is a mela within the carnival that promotes women self-help groups, artisans, and MSMEs through stalls, exhibitions. Also, showcases of handmade products and local crafts.
Q5. What else could visitors enjoy at the carnival?
A: Visitors enjoyed cultural performances, food courts, amusement rides, shopping stalls, and interactive entertainment suited for families and youth.
Final Words
The Mohali Carnival 2026 successfully blended culture, empowerment, and entertainment — making it a memorable celebration for all who attended. With its mix of performances, community involvement, and strong focus on women entrepreneurs. This event set a benchmark for annual cultural festivities in the region.