Tirupati: Covid-struck public steer clear of New Year events

Tirupati: A lacklustre New Year is in the offing this time, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and the fears of the new strain of the virus. By this time around, every year there would be bustling of activity in the bazars with preparations for celebrating the New Year in a grand manner. People look for various attractions at hotels, parks and other places for the best choice that suits their budget to celebrate the grand event.

But the coronavirus which has shattered everyone's dreams for almost the whole year of 2020 and hit them badly both financially and psychologically. Many sections of people still could not come out of their deep financial woes and were not all in a celebrating mood. "Our health got upset severely after we tested positive earlier this year. Now there is a talk of Covid second wave. We do not want to take any risk in the name of such celebrations", commented a BTech student. Meanwhile, the Central government also announced that the existing Covid guidelines will continue to be in vogue till January 31. The state government is also keen on imposing restrictions on New Year's eve revelry on December 31 night and on January 1 as it may pose risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus. Such restrictions will help avoid large gatherings on streets, hotels and public places.

Given the circumstances, unlike every year, the star hotels were not keen to organise any special programmes on December 31 night. The Shilparamam in Tirupati which offers various attractions like folk, western and classical dance performances, musical show with singers fashion show etc., which best suit small purses is not arranging any programmes.

Shilparamam Administrative Officer K Khadarvalli confirmed that no programmes are planned in view of the pandemic adding that they have been witnessing about 60 per cent footfalls now compared to last year.

The famous tourist destination Horsley Hills will also have a low-key affair on New Year Eve with police imposed several restrictions.

Madanapalle Rural CI Ashok Kumar said that the restrictions will be in force from December 31 evening to January 1 evening under which two wheelers and auto-rickshaws will not be allowed on the ghat road.

However, bakeries, sweet shops and florists are getting engaged in preparing additional quantities keeping in mind the possible reduced demand. Temples, however, will be opened for darshan which will only give solace to the people who will pray for a virus free year ahead.