SRINAGAR, DEC 30 – New Year celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir have been called off following the Union government’s announcement of a seven-day national mourning to honor the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The former PM, a towering figure in Indian politics and a stalwart of the Congress party, passed away at the age of 92 last week at AIIMS, Delhi, due to age-related health issues.
In line with the national directive, all official New Year events have been canceled in the Union Territory. Sources confirmed that government departments and institutions will not mark the occasion as a gesture of respect during the mourning period.
While New Year festivities have been paused, the tourism department has announced plans for a series of events as part of the winter carnival, set to begin on January 2 in Pahalgam.
Additionally, Gulmarg will host its winter carnival in mid-January, with National Tourism Day celebrations planned in Srinagar. Several events are also scheduled in popular tourist destinations like Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and Lolab later in the month.
The Union government’s directive includes flying the national flag at half-mast and postponing official celebrations during the mourning period. The decision reflects the nation’s collective respect for the former Prime Minister, whose legacy as an economist and leader continues to inspire.
