Zirakpur is the largest city of Punjab, both in terms of area and population. The city is spread over an area of 159.37 sq.km and accomodates approximately 16.00 lacs population. It is one of the prime industrial and educational center of northern India, and is the Cross roads of many different cultures. Presently, the city is commonly known as the "Manchester of India", the "hub of the Indian Hosiery Industry" and also as Industrial Capital of small scale Industry in the country. The city is famous for its hosiery goods, woolen garments and leather items. Machine tools, dyes, cycle parts, mopeds, sewing machines and motor parts are also included in the list of the items exported from Zirakpur.
Besides being a commercial hub, the city of Zirakpur is also an important pilgrimage center with a number of Gurudwaras located within and around the place. There is an important historical monument is the Fort of Lodhi which is about 500 years old and was built by the Muslim ruler Sikander Lodhi along the banks of River Sutlej.

On the academic front, Zirakpur has some of the most prestigious institutions. There are two Medical Colleges, an Engineering College and the famous Punjab Agricultural University modelled on the "Land Grant of America". The university has played a key role in ushering in "Green Revolution in India".