Ringing in the New Year in Pondicherry ? Read the updated guidelines and restrictions for New Year celebrations in Pondicherry issued by the government in compliance with the recent Madras High Court order.
Entering Pondicherry:
No e-pass, RT-PCR test etc required to enter Pondicherry.
Hotels to demand proof of vaccination for guests checking in.
Masks are mandatory in all public spaces. Police may levy Rs. 100 fee for violations.
Night Curfew
No movement allowed on roads between 2 am and 5 am on January 1
From Jan 2 onwards, night curfew from 11 pm – 5 am on all days except for Vaikunda Ekadasai
No supply of liquor after 10 pm
Liquor cannot be sold after 10 pm on New Year’s Eve. (Dec 31/ Jan 1)
Restaurants and bars both independent and attached to hotels/ restaurants will not be allowed to supply liquor after 10 pm
Beach Road Celebrations
Laser show and fireworks are part of the government sponsored NYE celebrations at Beach Road. However celebrations will wrap up soon after midnight. Beach road will be closed at 12.30 am on Jan 1.
NYE celebrations in hotels/ parties in Pondicherry
- Proof of double dose of vaccination is mandatory to attend New Year parties in public spaces
- Enforcement teams to check mask wearing, 50 percent capacity at venues, social distancing, sanitizers and thermal scanners at party venues.
- Celebrities cannot participate in NYE celebrations in public spaces (except hotels) beyond 10 pm to prevent over crowding.
If the Officials, who are posted to supervise the situation under the control of Police Department, demand proof of vaccination from the participants, the same has to be produced / furnished by them
ALSO READ: Ultimate list of New Year Parties in Pondicherry to welcome 2022
ORDER A SPECIAL NEW YEAR MEAL HOME!
Guidelines for places of worship
Midnight mass in churches and darshan/ prayers at all places of worship allowed upto 12.30 am
Traffic Guidelines
Please see the route map/ parking guidelines for more info. White Town/ French Quarter streets between Gingee Salai and Beach Road will be a vehicle-free zone.
Editor’s Note:
Data from South Africa / UK etc shows Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous variants like Delta though less severe in terms of deaths and hospitalisations.
In the absence of solid local data, we recommend avoiding crowded spaces, dining/ partying in smaller groups or well ventilated spaces, wearing masks and getting vaccinated for your and other’s safety.
PondyLive wishes all our readers a healthy, safe, peaceful and prosperous 2022 !
Please follow /message us on Facebook / Instagram if you have questions on Pondicherry New Year restrictions