Fort Kochi celebrated the New Year with a massive Pappanji burning ceremony, drawing tens of thousands of global attendees. Two large effigies were simultaneously set ablaze at Parade Ground and Veli Ground, hosted by the Cochin Carnival Committee and Gala De Fort Kochi respectively. Extensive security measures, including traffic curbs and nearly 1,200 police personnel, ensured a safe event, with similar celebrations occurring elsewhere in the district.