In order to contain the highly contagious Omicron strain, numerous state governments have imposed COVID-related restrictions during New Year’s celebrations. So far, India has documented 781 cases of Omicron variant infection, with Delhi having the greatest number (238), followed by Maharashtra (167).

That did not restrict people inside the safe confines of their homes. Kolkata, expectedly, was seen crowding the Park Street area. People flocked to popular holiday destinations like Manali. Divine intervention was also sought as devotees gathered in hundreds to offer prayers at Varanasi and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

However, because of the unexpected increase in COVID cases across the country, Delhi along with eight states – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat, have been forced to impose night curfews and other restrictions.

Park Street illuminated on the eve of New Year 2022, in Kolkata, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
Traffic jam on New Year’s eve in Manali, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 
Tourists and locals walk on the Mall road on New Year’s eve in Manali, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 
Devotees offer prayers at Golden Temple on the eve of New Year 2022, in Amritsar, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 
Devotees light earthen lamps on New Year’s eve in Varanasi, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 
Delhi police team patrol on New Year’s eve at Connaught Place in New Delhi, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2021.
Policeman patrol an empty area of the Marine Drive amid restrictions imposed due to rising COVID-19 cases, on New Year’s Eve in Mumbai, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 
 A street dog rests on an empty area of the Gateway Of India amid restrictions imposed due to rising COVID-19 cases, on New Year’s Eve in Mumbai, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.