Various temples in the city including Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam's shrine and Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane, the Santhome Basilica Church, the Thousand Lights Mosque were thronged by large number of people since early morning.
The famous church in Velankanni conducted special prayers while Sri Meenakshi temple and Sri Koodal Alagar in Madurai and Lord Muruga temples in Palani and Tiruchendur were thrown open for public at 4 am.
Bakeries remained open throughout the night yesterday doing brisk business with people buying cakes and sweets for sharing with friends and relatives.
Security was beefed up across the state and vehicle checks were conducted. Security had been arranged at all the places of worship.
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(REOPENS MES3)
In Coimbatore, about 300 activists belonging to various Hindu outfits were arrested when they attempted to protest New Year celebrations past midnight yesterday.
They raised slogans against the celebrations, claiming that it was part of western culture, police said.