Nation welcomes New Year in restricted festivity

The New Year 2021 celebrations have begun across the country amidst festivity and joy, maintaining the restrictive measures imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the government and local municipalities did not organise any programme and fireworks display, the celebrations have attracted several thousands of people who welcomed the year 2021 a moment after midnight through firework displays in almost every area of the country.

Normally, local municipalities organise firework displays in every city to mark the farewell of the old year and welcome the New Year; it was not held this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But people from all strata were found to gather at various places, such as river banks and open space, and organised firework displays on their own.

People bought fireworks from local markets and displayed on their own.

Although there was no official programme, people rushed to the spots and welcomed the New Year amidst festivity and joys.

Today is public holiday. All government, semi-government, and private offices will remain closed on the occasion of the New Year.