Bhanu P Lohumi
Shimla, December 25
Social distancing norms were thrown to the winds as tourists thronged the ‘Queen of Hills’ on Friday to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The hotels were packed to capacity even as the town’s Mall Road, Lower Bazaar and The Ridge saw crowds of merrymakers. President of the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association Sanjay Sood said it was owing to the relaxation in the night curfew and permission to shops to open on Sunday that there had been a surge in the tourist numbers.
“Few are wearing face masks. Despite the Covid pandemic, it seems like a carnival,” observed a local resident, rather anxiously. Many tourists parked their vehicles along the roads, leading to congestion, despite the heavy police deployment to ensure there were no traffic jams.
For First Time Ever, No Christmas Mass at Shimla s Oldest Church
Morning Prayer at Shimla s Christ Church will be observing Covid protocols while most other events have either been dropped or scaled-down. Shutterstock.com Ashwani Sharma 2020-12-24T20:02:25+05:30 For First Time Ever, No Christmas Mass at Shimla s Oldest Church outlookindia.com 2020-12-24T20:32:54+05:30
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For the first time in history, Shimla’s Christ Church the second oldest landmark Church in North India will not have Christmas night services.
The Covid pandemic has cast its shadow on Christmas celebrations in Shimla, depriving the British-era hill town of midnight sounds of bells and night prayers at church.
Under Pressure From Traders, Himachal Govt Eases Night Curfew Norms
Markets to remain open on Sundays as tourists flock to state ahead of Christmas and New Year Anurag Anand Ashwani Sharma 2020-12-23T21:26:21+05:30 Under Pressure From Traders, Himachal Govt Eases Night Curfew Norms outlookindia.com 2020-12-23T21:30:43+05:30
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After a notable drop in fresh Covid-19 cases and improvement in the daily recovery rate in the hospitals, the Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to reduce night curfew hours and allow opening of the Sunday markets in the major town and most of these tourist destinations. These restrictions were imposed a month back following a massive spike in the corona infection and a high fatality rate.