The Open Hand Monument is one of the most notable structures in the city. It consists of a hand-like structure standing on a trench which rotates like a weather cock with the flow of the wind. Made up of metal sheets, it weighs around 50 tonnes. Unlike a weather cock, though, this hand-like structure holds special significance of conveying a social message to the world. Le Corbusier designed the open hand to convey the message of openness of ideas and of peace and unity.
The Open Hand monument is the official emblem of Chandigarh. The purpose behind the construction of this open hand structure was for the people to have at least one place in the city where they could freely discuss the problems concerning Chandigarh and eventually take the right decisions for the betterment of the city. A small monument, but a very big purpose.
