Fresh facade for new face

The Tourism Department has spruced up the boulevard road winding up along the Dal to the hotel. And J-K police’s mobile patrol speed boats skim across the shimmering waters, on the lookout for trouble.

The Sher-Kashmir International Convention Centre has been revamped with new carpets and curtains, and swish upholstery. ‘‘The auditorium can seat 1,000. We have marked space for everybody, from media people to VIPs,’’ said Syed Shahnawaz, hotel in-charge of the ceremony.

The Hospitality and Protocol Department is ready with Kashmiri wazwan, an elaborate feast. ‘‘We have arranged for wazwan and saffron khawa for the guests, to be served after the ceremony. There will be both veg and non-veg delicacies,’’ a department official said.

The city residents are curious but hardly interested in any celebration. ‘‘There are expectations of the new government. But let’s wait and watch,’’ said grocer Ali Mohammad Dar. ‘‘Over the years, such ceremonies have only meant horrible new things for people. Let Mufti take over. We’ll know things within weeks,’’ he said.