2008 is here, city erupts

2008 is here, city erupts
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: It was a befitting farewell to Year 2007. The city erupted in joy and celebration as the sun set on an eventful year. At the stroke of midnight, the crescendo of revellers only increased, as the city exploded with cheer, excitement, and cries of ‘Happy New Year’ rent the air.
The city turned into a remix studio, with music blaring from vehicles. The city swayed to music from different genres, sometimes matching its steps with exotic belly-dancers at plush resorts. Spirited young men danced to the tunes and hugged fellow revellers and policemen on duty!
Enthusiastic crowds spilled into pubs, gaming zones, restaurants, malls and resorts and those who preferred a quiet celebration stayed at home or headed to farm houses.
Temples and churches were also a huge draw as people streamed in for prayers. It was time to make resolutions, regardless of the poor success rate of such an exercise!
Parking curbs on the main streets did not deter revellers, who were determined to have a good time. Rules were relaxed to pave way for celebrations. Not many bothered to wear the mandatory helmets or the rule of only ‘two persons on the bike.’
However, the police prohibited entry of vehicles on flyovers and barricaded main roads to avoid accidents due to drunk driving.
Bangalore’s ‘pub streets’ — Brigade Road, MG Road, Church Street, Residency Road, eateries on highways and a string of malls saw the revellers’ number swell by midnight. However, some popular pubs and food joints chose to play it safe. They remained closed to avoid any untoward incident.
The night was young but seemed too harsh for the 1500-odd cops manning the streets, and the doctors-on-call at various hospitals across the city.
“Our doctors do not drink as they will be required during an emergency,’’ said a senior doctor of Wockhardt Hospital. The celebrations continued, till the New Year Sun appeared on the east horizon, instilling new hope.
Low turnout on MG Road
This year, the revellers’ paradise — MG Road and surrounding areas — witnessed a low turnout. MG Road, Brigade Road and Residency Road usually attract thousands of revellers.
The police made elaborate security and traffic arrangements in the area anticipating a huge crowd.
“Multiple options at pubs, discos, hotels and resorts have lured crowds away. Moreover, many young people seem to prefer resorts,’’ said DCP (Central) BNS Reddy.
Those who had assembled this year cheered in the New Year at the stroke of midnight.
They burst firecrackers amidst loud cheers of ‘Happy New Year’, but 20 minutes after midnight, the lathi-wielding policemen started to drive away the revellers.