From Pachmarhi and Mandu to Kanha and Bandhavgarh, and from Mahakal in Ujjain to Omkareshwar and Bhojpur, celebrations are unfolding on a large scale, reflecting a blend of tourism, faith and cultural tradition. Hotels, resorts and clubs in key urban centres such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior reported near-total occupancy, with advance bookings for New Year’s Eve already sold out.
Hill station Pachmarhi has emerged as one of the most crowded destinations, hosting round-the-clock cultural programmes and musical events. Tourist authorities confirmed that Mandu and Hanuwantia have also been decorated for the occasion, drawing families and young travellers alike. Despite a cold wave alert issued for December 31 night, celebrations have continued unabated.
Wildlife tourism has seen a sharp rise, with all core zones of major tiger reserves — including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Satpura and Sanjay Dubri — fully booked well in advance. Buffer zone bookings are largely occupied until January 4, officials said. Safari slots were filled days ahead, as visitors sought to combine year-end holidays with wildlife experiences.
Religious centres are witnessing a parallel influx. Lakhs of devotees are expected at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and the Bhojpur Shiva Temple. In Damoh district, pilgrims from several states have arrived at Kundalpur for New Year darshan of Bada Baba. Temple administrations and local police have stepped up crowd management and security arrangements.
Urban public spaces and picnic spots in Bhopal, known as the City of Lakes, are also packed with visitors. Commercial activity has surged, with online food and grocery orders recording a significant spike. Delivery personnel stationed near major malls and marketplaces reported heavier workloads compared to regular days.
Cultural events are adding a distinct local flavour to the celebrations. In Khajuraho, foundation day programmes are underway at the Adivarth Museum, while Ramlila performances from December 27 to 31 have drawn steady audiences. Notably, many local residents have opted for these cultural gatherings over late-night hotel parties.
Officials said the widespread participation underscores Madhya Pradesh’s growing appeal as a year-end destination that combines leisure tourism, spiritual travel and cultural engagement. The state administration has deployed additional staff across tourist and religious sites to ensure safety, smooth traffic movement and crowd control during the holiday rush.
.jpg)
