It is New Year’s eve, but what would the celebrations be like tonight across India? As the entire country preps up to ring out the old, and ring in the new, celebrations could be muted as we witness a surge in Omicron cases. With different states and Union Territories imposing new curbs and restrictions, here are the New Year rules across India.
Delhi
With the Omicron cases surging record high in the national capital, the Delhi government has sounded a Yellow Alert in the city. A night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am has been imposed in the city. With the new restrictions, restaurants, bars and hotels have been asked to operate at 50 per cent capacity. The Delhi Police in a new regulation has said that elaborate plans have been made to regulate traffic in and around the commercial areas of the city including Connaught Place. Traffic restriction around Connaught Place will kick in from 8 pm. “Strict compliance of the latest orders of Delhi Disaster Management Authority will be implemented and following restrictions will be imposed from 8 pm on December 31 in the vicinity of Connaught Place till the conclusion of New Year celebrations. It will be applicable to all private and public transport vehicles,” said JCP (traffic) Vivek Kishore. No public or cultural gatherings will be allowed in the city.
Maharashtra
With Covid cases rising over 2,500 in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has issued fresh New Year guidelines that will prohibit any kind of movement from 9 pm to 5 am. No more than five people would be allowed in an area. Gatherings inside a close space will be observed at 50 per cent capacity while gatherings in open places will be observed at 25 per cent capacity. People have been urged to avoid going to popular places like Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Beach and Gateway of India and parks, gardens and senior citizens must stay at home. Gatherings in these places must maintain social distancing and any kind of religious and cultural assemblies on New Year’s eve have been prohibited. Restaurants, gyms, cinema theatres have been directed to operate at 50% capacity.
Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government imposed a set of new rules to be strictly followed on New Yera’s eve. Tamil Nadu DGP said that no celebrations will be allowed on beaches and in public places. The government further said that no new year celebrations will be allowed in the commercial hubs from 9 pm. Resorts, farmhouses, clubs and convention centres have been directed to ban commercial events. Hotels and restaurants have to follow the existing SOPs and must wrap up by 11 pm.
Karnataka
Karnataka government has announced a 10-day night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am till 7 January. Besides, the state has also imposed Section 144. The authorities have also banned New year celebrations at pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the state. Restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs have been directed to operate with 50% seating capacity from 30 December to 2 January. Parties held on external premises have also been banned. However, those with prior bookings in hotels, bars etc will be permitted.
Kerala
Kerala has imposed a night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am till January 2. No celebrations will be allowed after 10 pm on December 31 in the state, according to the new guidelines. Places like malls, pubs, restaurants, which are likely to attract large gatherings will be monitored by sectoral magistrates and the police. An additional police force will be deployed to ensure there are no large gatherings during the New Year celebrations. Restaurants, pubs and bars will be operating at 50 per cent capacity.
Goa
Goa government has made it mandatory for people to carry a negative Covid-19 report or a fully vaccinated certificate to enter parties. However, no night curfew has been imposed in the state.
Puducherry
The Madras High Court has banned the sale of liquor from 10 pm on December 31 till January 1.00 am. Hotels, bars and restaurants have been directed to allow entry of people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Odisha
The Odisha government has decided to impose additional restrictions in view of New Year’s eve. The restrictions have been imposed till January 2. The state has banned night celebrations on New Year in hotels, clubs, restaurants, parks, convention halls, and other public places across the state.
