Tricity is all set to welcome 2026 with high-decibel celebrations and heightened security, with Satinder Sartaaj’s live performance emerging as the biggest highlight of New Year eve festivities across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.

From star-studded concerts and club countdowns to elegant hotel galas and members-only soirées, virtually every major venue across the region is decked up for the night, while police across Tricity have rolled out elaborate law and order and traffic management plans.

In Chandigarh, more than 1,000 police personnel, excluding traffic and PCR staff, will be deployed under the supervision of 12 gazetted officers, 20 inspectors and 16 SHOs. Security arrangements include 18 outer Naka’s, 44 internal Naka’s and 16 joint traffic Naka’s, supported by six ASKA lights for night surveillance.

Ten areas, including the Geri Route, Plaza in Sector 17, inner markets of Sector 22 and the Elante Mall belt, have been declared restricted vehicle zones.

Fire tenders have been stationed at five locations with three hydraulic ladders on standby, while ambulances will be available at six points.

Special women safety squads and lady-staff PCR vehicles will also be deployed, and a central reserve force will remain positioned at the Police Headquarters in Sector 9.

The celebrations span the entire Tricity. Omaxe, New Chandigarh, will host a major live concert by Satinder Sartaaj, likely to draw large crowds from the region. Forest Hill Golf and Country Club Resort in Karoran near Chandigarh is hosting the Sunburn Festival New Year’s Eve, while multiple resorts and venues on the city’s periphery are hosting open-air concerts and festival-style events. Major clubs and pubs in Sectors 26 and 7, the Plaza area, Elante Mall and other nightlife hubs are hosting DJ nights, themed parties and midnight countdowns.

Exclusive members’ celebrations are also lined up at premier institutions such as the Chandigarh Club, Chandigarh Golf Club, Chandigarh Golf Association and other elite clubs.

Almost all leading five-star hotels, boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés and hangout spots across malls and busy markets in Tricity have curated special New Year Eve menus, live music and countdown experiences.

Among the hotel highlights, CITCO’s flagship properties — Hotel Mount view and Hotel Shivalik view — are hosting refined New Year eve celebrations with lavish buffet spreads, à la carte gourmet offerings and live music, along with special room packages and New Year morning breakfasts, adding to the city’s premium hospitality offerings.

Mohali and Panchkula police have also announced special deployment plans, with intensified security checks, anti-drunk-driving drives and Naka’s to be set up at all strategic locations through the night to maintain law and order and ensure road safety.

Police across Tricity have appealed people to cooperate with security arrangements and follow traffic advisories.

Police advisory 

To ensure safe and peaceful New Year celebrations, Chandigarh Police have declared several vehicle-restricted zones from 9.30 pm on December 31 till 2 am on January 1.

Vehicle-free/restricted zones:

• Inner market roads of Sectors 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
• Road in front of Leisure Valley, Sector 10
• Inner roads of Sector 17
• Inner roads of Sector 22
• Aroma light points to Small Chowk, Sector 22 (near dispensary)
• Around Elante Mall, Industrial Area Phase-I

Residents accessing these stretches must carry a valid identity card and residence proof. Traffic around Elante Mall will operate under a one-way system.

The public has been advised to park vehicles only at designated parking lots and avoid parking on footpaths, cycle tracks and main roads. Chandigarh Traffic Police will launch a special drive against traffic violations, with strict action including possible suspension of driving licenses.

Drinking liquor in public places, creating noise pollution through vehicle exhausts and indulging in hooliganism will invite strict legal action. Special drunken driving Naka’s will be set up across the city, with surprise checks through the night.

Police personnel will remain on duty to regulate traffic and assist the public. Chandigarh Traffic Police have sought cooperation from citizens, regretting any inconvenience caused in the larger interest of public safety.