Chandigarh: Preparations for New Year celebrations are in full swing across Punjab, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh, with religious gatherings, events at clubs and hotels and heightened security measures in place.
In Amritsar, a large number of devotees have been thronging the Golden Temple since morning. Prayers are being offered for sarbat da bhala to mark the beginning of the New Year.
In Ludhiana, New Year programmes have been organised at the Satluj Club and Lodhi Club, while similar events are scheduled at the Gymkhana Club in Jalandhar. Several hotels across Punjab have also arranged celebrations, with entry being regulated through issued passes.
Chandigarh will remain under strict security during the New Year. Police have declared 10 roads as no-vehicle zones, restricting the movement of vehicles from 9:30 pm on December 31 till 2 am on January 1. Police pickets have also been set up outside clubs to maintain law and order.
In Himachal Pradesh, popular tourist destinations such as Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie have witnessed a heavy influx of visitors, with celebrations already underway. In Manali, the Deputy Commissioner has imposed a ban on carrying weapons to ensure a peaceful New Year.
