Streets across India came alive as people rang in New Year 2026 on Thursday. Celebrations took place in many cities despite harsh winter conditions and heightened security. While several services and establishments continued to function, some remained closed because January 1 is a restricted holiday in many parts of the country.

Authorities also stepped up safety measures in major cities to manage crowds during the celebrations. At the same time, cold weather influenced holiday decisions in several states.

Government Offices and Departments

Most government offices and departments are expected to remain open on January 1. Since New Year’s Day is observed as a restricted holiday, regular work continues in many government offices across India.

Schools and Colleges

Schools and colleges are generally open on the first day of the year. However, extreme cold and dense fog have led some state governments to extend winter vacations.

In Punjab, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced holidays for all government, aided, recognised, and private schools until January 7. The decision was taken due to rising cold and fog, keeping children’s health in mind.

Similarly, in Guwahati, schools will remain closed for a week and reopen on January 7. The move comes in response to harsh winter conditions and an ongoing cold wave, according to PTI.

Hospitals and Healthcare Services

Hospitals and healthcare services continue to function normally. Emergency services and government hospitals remain fully operational to ensure public safety and medical care.

Public Transport Services

Public transport services are running as usual in major cities. The Delhi Metro, city buses, and taxi services are operating according to their regular schedules.

Ahead of the New Year, cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru announced increased security at several metro stations. In some places, metro services were extended to help people return home safely after celebrations.

Banks and Stock Market

Banks are closed in some parts of the country due to New Year’s Day. As per the Reserve Bank of India holiday list, banks remain shut in Aizawl, Chennai, Gangtok, Imphal, Itanagar, Kolkata, and Shillong.

In contrast, the stock markets are functioning normally. The Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange are operating as usual on January 1, 2026, as it is not listed as a trading holiday.

Celebrations Across the Country

India witnessed grand New Year celebrations with fireworks and special events. In New Delhi, large crowds gathered at popular spots such as Connaught Place to welcome 2026, PTI reported.

In Amritsar, devotees visited Shri Harmandir Sahib to offer prayers and seek blessings at the start of the New Year. Similar scenes of celebration and devotion were seen in several other parts of the country.