Mani Majra, commonly known as Manimajra, is a historical town that has evolved into a major residential and commercial hub within the Union Territory of Chandigarh, India. While Chandigarh is famous as a meticulously planned post-independence city, Manimajra predates it, offering a unique blend of historic architecture, organic urban growth, and modern development. Over the years, it has been seamlessly integrated into the greater Chandigarh metropolitan area.
The town is well-known for its historical landmarks, most notably the Mani Majra Fort, and its close proximity to the revered Mata Mansa Devi temple complex in neighboring Panchkula. Today, Manimajra is characterized by its bustling markets, including a massive automotive market, and well-planned residential pockets like the Modern Housing Complex (MHC).
An interesting cultural footnote for Manimajra is its connection to Hollywood; the narrow, bustling streets and historic architecture of the town were famously used as filming locations for the 2012 acclaimed film *Zero Dark Thirty*, standing in for markets in Abbottabad and Lahore, Pakistan.