People across India bid adieu to 2023 and welcomed the New Year 2024 with lavish celebrations and joy. In Delhi, a New Year’s aarti was performed at Jhandewalan Devi Temple, and huge crowds gathered at Connaught Place. In Mumbai, thousands of Mumbaikars gathered at the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty and other places last night to ring in Year 2024 amid tight security arrangements. Many chose to visit religious places, including the famous Siddhivinayak and Mumbadevi temples, and churches. In Thane, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed New Year by participating in a blood donation camp in the night. He extended greetings to people on the occasion. Goa dazzled with a magnificent display of fireworks to welcome 2024. Similarly, Kamarajar Salai in Chennai saw a large turnout, and Mall Road in Shimla was filled with people welcoming the upcoming year. In Kerala, a large number of devotees visited Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Pathanamthitta on the last day of the year.
In Jammu and Kashmir, celebrations to welcome New Year were held at historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar. For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held yesterday near historic Ghanta Ghar area at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department had organized a musical event near Ghanta Ghar where large number of people and tourists had gathered to participate in the New Year celebrations amid cold climatic and freezing temperatures. A large number of people including women and children adhering to warm garments, were seen singing and dancing to the tunes of bollywood songs at the iconic Lal Chowk which was illuminated and decorated magnificently. Large number of tourists were seen clicking pictures of the night scene which was representing a festive look all around. The musical programmes were running live on the big LED screens in Lal Chowk and people were dancing on the tunes enthusiastically. The historic Lal Chowk was recently renovated under Srinagar Smart City Project. Meanwhile, the authorities had made elaborate arrangements in Lal Chowk and adjacent areas to thwart any untoward incident.
Kiribati, an island nation with 33 atolls, was the first place to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 as the International Date Line loops around its easternmost islands.
Like other parts of the country, several functions were organized in hotels and other places to welcome New Year in Punjab too. Tight security arrangements were made on this occasion. Meanwhile on the first day of the New Year, people in large numbers are coming to religious places to seek the blessings of God.
In Amritsar Shri Darbar Sahib is witnessing long queues of sangat since wee hours. The faith is overcoming over severe cold wave and dense fog. People are bowing their heads before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji with full devotion. Devotees have also throng in the historical Shakti Peeth Shri Devi Talab Temple in Jalandhar. Havan Yagyas are being performing at several places for the prosperity and progress of the nation.
In Kerala, partying, musical nites and colourful firework displays marked the New Year celebrations across the state. People gathered in large numbers at beaches and other open places to welcome the New Year.
At Fort Kochi, several thousands thronged the Parade Ground to witness the burning of the 80 ft tall effigy of Pappanji, a grandfatherly figure made out of steel frames, used clothes and straw. At the stroke of midnight, the effigy was set fire. The multi-community ritual symbolises bidding goodbye to the past year ushering in the New Year. The event is a tradition unique to Kochi and rooted in Portuguese, Dutch and other European influences.
Police kept a strict vigil on revellers to prevent unsavoury incidents.
Many people visited temples and other places of worship to mark a new beginning.
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