Chandigarh to have weeklong New Year festivities

Chandigarh -- The city administration here plans to hold a week-long festival, including musical performances, fireworks and joyrides, starting Dec 26 to usher in the New Year.

The festival would be open to all age groups, said Chandigarh's Home Secretary Krishna Mohan Saturday.

All buildings of the Chandigarh administration would be lit up throughout the week and singers Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam will add melody to the celebrations by performing Dec 29 and 31.

The city's commercial centre - Sector 17 - will host a number of children's activities at the plaza. A musical evening is also scheduled for Dec 26, apart from a plaza carnival.

The city will host a rock show by the Mumbai-based band Wonder Boys Dec 27 and to appease the taste buds, a bakery demonstration will be held at the Institute of Hotel Management.

Chandigarh will ring in the New Year at Sukhna Lake, a popular tourist spot, with a classical music concert and a huge fireworks display will mark the end of 2006.

There will also be entertainment and boat rides for slum children at the lake Jan 2.