CHENNAI: Hundreds of men,women and children, who crowded the streets of the city for hours, gathered at the Marina beach and as the clock struck 12, broke into cheers, burst fireworks and wished each other a happy new year.
“For most, it is a ritual,” said 19-year-old R. Saravanan, who with his college friends was busy lining up a 1000 wala near the beach. “It is impossible to stay indoors when you get to experience the amazing spirit of the city here,” he said. Saravanan and his friends were out on the streets, driving their bikes for hours before the celebration. And they weren’t the only ones. Anna Salai was crowded with motorists and vehicles, and so were shopping malls and food joints.
For 7-year-old Prasanna, it was the first time he was stepping out of his house to witness the celebration. “He heard from someone about the celebration on the Marina and has been pestering me ever since. So, I finally brought him here,” said Radhika, his mother.
“The best part about this day is we get to meet new people and make friends,” said Sathwick, a city-based techie.
