Nationwide mourning following Dr Manmohan Singh’s death, leads to cancellation of New Year celebrations.
New Delhi: The New Year is set to commence on a somber note, marked by grief, mourning, and introspection. This sentiment is evident in the decisions of numerous clubs, pubs, and restaurants across the capital to either cancel their celebrations or scale them down.
Establishments such as Vasant Vihar Club, Delhi Gymkhana Club, Delhi Golf Club, India Habitat Centre, India International Centre, and Chelmsford Club have decided to call off their planned events in light of recent developments.
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. In his honour, the Government of India has declared a seven-day period of national mourning from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect. In accordance with this mourning period, many events have been either cancelled or postponed.
Several private clubs have also decided to cancel their New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Vasant Vihar Club issued a notice on December 28, announcing that, as a tribute and in adherence to the state mourning declared after the passing of Dr Singh, the New Year celebrations scheduled for December 31 have been cancelled.
Similarly, the Delhi Gymkhana Club released a notice on Saturday stating, “We regret to inform you that the New Year Eve Celebrations on 31st December 2024 stand cancelled due to the state mourning declared following the passing of Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India.”
The Delhi Golf Club has also followed suit and cancelled its planned celebrations.
In addition, the India International Centre, located in the heart of the national capital, has cancelled its Members’ Lunch, which was scheduled to take place in the afternoon, on January 1, 2025. Similarly, the India Habitat Centre has called off its programs that were planned for December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025.
The Chelmsford Club has taken a similar decision. To honour the late Dr Manmohan Singh, the club has cancelled it New Year’s Eve event on December 31, 2024. These decisions collectively reflect the deep respect for the former Prime Minister and the nation’s shared grief during this period of mourning.