Events lined up for grand welcome

CHANDIGARH: Big is better. This seems to be the motto of UT tourism department as it has grand plans to usher in New Year’10 with a bang.
The week-long celebrations - including dance shows, musical nites, lights and fireworks - will commence from Christmas on December 25.
The extravaganza at the Sector-17 plaza called ‘Dance and Song Mania’ will feature performances by rock bands, while renowned singer Sarthi K will enthrall residents at the city’s shopping complex on December 26.
To ensure better public participation, a couple dance contest called ‘Dancing Sensation of Chandigarh’ and singing competition ‘Voice of Chandigarh’ (male and female categories) has also been planned.
The preliminary rounds of both the competitions will be held on December 28, 29 and 30.
The finalists will perform at the grand finale on December 31, while the winner in the couple dance category will be felicitated with a free economy-class air ticket to and fro from Delhi to Dubai.
According to information, registration for the competition is open till December 22 and entry forms are available at the information centre, Sector-17 and tourism office, additional deluxe building, Sector 9.
While the registration fee for couple dance is Rs 100, it will be Rs 50 in the singing category. Winners of the Voice of Chandigarh (male and female categories) will be felicitated with shopping coupons worth Rs 10,000 and the runner-ups will be presented attractive prizes.
Meanwhile, the plaza, trees, traffic bridge and showrooms will be illuminated with electric stars. A Christmas tree, jointly decorated by the Chandigarh Government College of Arts & Alliance Francaise, Sector-36, will also be installed in the complex.
To entertain people walking through the shopping arena, the authorities have decided to install a music pipe system. Special New Year discounts will also be given to people to make the event lively.
Various activities, including puppet show, Rajasthani dance etc are bound to catch the fancy of visitors.
Noted Punjabi singer Sabar Koti will also perform on the mega musical nite on December 31 during which fireworks will also be displayed.