The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a statewide advisory following an active western disturbance that is likely to cause heavy snowfall and rainfall across the state between January 26 and 28, officials said. All district administrations have been placed on alert to manage possible disruptions and ensure public safety during the period.

According to a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather system is expected to bring a prolonged wet spell, with isolated spells of heavy snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall in lower and adjoining areas. The conditions may impact road connectivity, power supply and essential services across several districts.

Quoting the advisory issued by the Revenue Department, the state government has directed all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to activate District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) for round-the-clock monitoring and coordination. District administrations have been asked to review and update contingency and evacuation plans, particularly in snow-bound, flood-prone and low-lying urban areas.

The government has stressed the importance of timely dissemination of public warnings and travel advisories to ensure the safety of commuters and tourists. "All departments have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness to deal with any eventuality arising due to heavy snowfall or rainfall," the HP government said in the advisory.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to pre-position snow clearance machinery, including JCBs and snow cutters, at strategic locations to minimise road blockages and restore connectivity at the earliest. Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) have also been directed to remain ready for immediate restoration of roads and critical infrastructure.

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has been asked to keep emergency teams on standby for quick restoration of power supply and to ensure adequate backup for essential services. The Jal Shakti Vibhag has been directed to maintain uninterrupted water and sanitation services, especially in high-risk and snow-bound regions.

Meanwhile, the Police and Tourism Departments have been instructed to regulate traffic on vulnerable routes and issue travel advisories to prevent tourists from entering high-risk zones. Coordination with transport authorities has also been emphasised to ensure commuter safety.

The state government has further directed all departments to maintain close coordination with the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and submit daily situation reports during the period of the weather disturbance. Snow clearance and road restoration works are currently underway in Shimla and other parts of the state.

Due to snowfall in the upper reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kinnaur districts, more than 600 roads have been blocked, causing difficulties for both locals and visitors. Efforts are ongoing to restore connectivity at the earliest.

Masaya has debuted in Goa’s Anjuna–Vagator belt as a new experiential destination, set on a cliff overlooking the sea. Envisioned as one of the region’s most compelling sundowner spots by day and a high-energy outpost by night, Masaya aims to redefine Goa’s sunset culture, said a release.

The name Masaya is drawn from the Filipino language and captures the emotion the space is designed to evoke, warm, immersive, and uplifting from the moment guests arrive. Reflecting comfort, freedom, and joy, Masaya is imagined as a place where sunsets slow you down and nights set you free.

Founded by Ishaan Sharma, Rohit Khullar, Sachin Manchanda, and Gaurav Mendiratta, Masaya is shaped by bold interiors, flowing curves, and a strong sense of transition that mirrors the sky as it moves from golden hour into nightfall. As evening deepens, the lighting shifts, 3D projections appear, and the space gradually transforms, allowing the sunset mood to linger well into the night.

The venue unfolds as a layered experience, moving from an intimate indoor dining area to a rooftop that opens fully to the sea and endless horizon. From there, it flows into a tropical, jungle-inspired bar designed for shared moments and high social energy. Designed by Akhlakh of Sketch All Studios, the interiors draw from Afro-Egyptian influences, with art and sculpture placed at the centre of the design language. Each section can host up to 200 guests while maintaining a sense of openness and comfort.

Masaya by Bravo Hospitality positions itself as a sundowner dining and party destination that celebrates golden hour indulgence before seamlessly transitioning into high-energy nightlife, according to the release. Lighting, visual mapping, and 3D projections subtly evolve through the evening, shaping the ambience as the night unfolds.

The food and bar programme at Masaya is designed to move with the rhythm of the space. The menu is global, expansive, and made for sharing. Behind the bar, Masaya introduces a progressive new-age cocktail philosophy that places flavour before spirit, organising drinks by mood rather than traditional categories. Guests are also invited to create their own cocktails, selecting a spirit, flavour direction, and finish with the help of a simple illustrated cocktail map placed at the table.

Music plays a central role in shaping the Masaya experience. The soundscape moves through Afro, house, hip hop, and techno as the day turns into night. Sound and lighting evolve with the energy of the crowd, transforming Masaya from a relaxed sundowner destination into a refined, high-energy club after dark.

Speaking on the launch, Ishaan Sharma said, “Masaya means comfort and joy, and that emotion sits at the heart of everything we have created. The name reflects a sense of freedom and lightness, which is exactly how the space is meant to feel. The view and the sunset help you unwind, and as night falls, the energy invites you to dance. Masaya brings together relaxation and luxury in one seamless experience.”

Positioned as a statement of modern coastal luxury, Masaya is designed for those who value atmosphere as much as aesthetics. Moving effortlessly from daytime elegance to controlled after-dark intensity, the venue offers a sense of arrival that becomes unmistakable as the night settles in. Masaya is not chasing attention. It commands it, added the release.

Republic Day celebrations in Delhi-NCR are stepping outside parade grounds and official venues this year, as leading malls across the region curate special experiences that blend national pride with culture, music and community engagement. From flag hoistings and naval band performances to artisan showcases and fitness-led festivities, malls are emerging as vibrant spaces to mark January 26 in a more inclusive and engaging way.

DLF Mall of India, Noida, will begin its celebrations with a formal flag-hoisting ceremony involving mall management, staff and retail partners, underlining the theme of national unity. Adding to the patriotic mood, an SSB band performance on January 25 will energise visitors, while a tricolour-themed photo installation offers shoppers a chance to capture the spirit of the day.

At Gaur City Mall, Republic Day takes on a reflective and emotional tone with “Naye Bharat ki Nayi Udaan.” The celebrations will be led by Retd. Major General Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Indian Army, who will preside over the flag hoisting and address audiences. A special tribute to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram will feature a 25-member children’s choir, followed by the national anthem. The evening concludes with Shaurya Utsav, a theatrical ballet that honours the courage and sacrifices of India’s soldiers through music, storytelling and dance.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka, sets the mood early with a Vande Mataram Naval Band performance on January 24. Held at the Central Piazza, the Indian Navy band will perform patriotic compositions in a tricolour-themed setting, creating a stirring prelude to Republic Day celebrations.

Cultural heritage takes centre stage at Ambience Mall, Gurugram and Vasant Kunj, with Dastaan-e-Bharat, a month-long showcase running until January 26, 2026. The festival brings together artisans and craftsmen from across India, presenting handlooms, handicrafts, jewellery, home décor and heritage products. Live demonstrations, folk music, dance performances, storytelling sessions and hands-on workshops offer visitors a deeper connection with India’s diverse traditions.

Meanwhile, Spectrum Metro Mall, Noida, is hosting a three-day Republic Day celebration from January 24 to 26, combining patriotism with fitness and high-energy performances. Kathak, patriotic Bollywood numbers, live bands, Zumba, Bhangra and artistic yoga sessions form the core of the programming, culminating in a flag-hoisting ceremony on Republic Day amid tricolour décor.

Overall, this Republic Day, Delhi-NCR malls are redefining how the national holiday is experienced. By combining culture, fitness, music and community participation, these retail spaces are turning into shared celebration zones—making Republic Day both meaningful and memorable for families and visitors alike