'It's going to be an amazing year': how some Winnipeggers are ringing in 2024

As 2023 comes to a close, some Winnipeggers are preparing to ring in the New Year with firework shows, dance parties and, of course, feasts.

Amit Saini, co-founder of a Winnipeg event management company, Winnipeg Desi Entertainment, is expecting up to 600 people to show up for his New Year's Eve party at the Punjab Cultural Centre.

With multicultural performances, including Punjabi folk dances, a DJ dance party and an Indian food feast planned for the evening, Saini said the event is sure to bring the city's Punjabi community together.

It's something he said is vital for Indian newcomers to Canada.

"On the festivals or these celebrations, you miss your family a lot, and when you have these gatherings where your community comes together and you can celebrate things with them, it feels … that you're back home," said Saini, who moved from India to Canada eight years ago.

LISTEN | Punbjab Cultural Centre hosting big New Year's Eve bash:

Saini started his business with his brother after they came to Winnipeg and found that there weren't many Punjab community events.

"It was hard at that time, but that's the reason we are doing this," he said on CBC's Information Radio on Friday.

Since it's launch, the company has planned more than 25 events with more than 10,000 attendees, its website says. Saini said the response from newcomers has been positive.

"It helped them to overcome the homesickness that they're going through, the culture shock. It's helped them to easily adjust," he said.

Saini also hopes Sunday's party will help families welcome 2024.

"It's going to be an amazing year."

LISTEN | Meadow Lea Community Centre in Woodlands, Man., offers fun for those not wanting to stay up late:

Bridgette Parker, executive director of the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, has different plans to celebrate the New Year in Winnipeg.