Mumbai brings in the new year with style

MUMBAI - Party animals hit the most happening hotspots in Mumabi right before midnight to bid farewell to the first decade of the millennium and bring in the new year in style as others enjoyed the last day of 2010 at their homes, watching television and munching snacks.

The city, however, saw tight security as plainclothes policemen along with thousands of uniformed police personnel guarded the city including the popular venues like Gateway of India and several five star hotels of the city.

The party spirit of Mumbaikars was not deterred inspite of the looming terror threat on the city as they made a beeline for the multiple parties and events all across the city, specially planned for the night to mark the occasion.

“I have planned to party to the fullest this new year eve and nothing can keep me at home, not even the terror threat,” said Anil Nair, from suburban Andheri.

“I have planned to bring in the new year at the Gateway of India with a gang of pals and then go to a nearby disco and party till dawn,” he added.

Mumbai Police’s deadline of 12.30am for hotels to shut on New Year’s night has left many hoteliers sleepless. They are up in arms against this unhappy beginning to 2011, as they do more business on Dec 31 night than the rest of the year.

Many residents have however planned to spend a quieter evening this year end. “Madding crowd at most public places, never-ending queues at restaurants and past incidents of molestation at public places are strong deterrents,” said Vikram Khanna, a resident of suburban Bandra.

Sushma Shah, however, is glad that there is an increasing trend for housing societies to organise new year’s eve parties right at their doorsteps. “Being a mother of two teenaged daughters, it always scared me to send them away to some resort or disco,” she said.

“This year they have both agreed to party at our housing complex. Thanks to the organisers for making it as good as the ones at a resort,” she added.