As one year segued into another on Saturday midnight, revellers in and around the city ushered in 2017 with song, dance and a whole lot of cheer.
Kovalam, the hot spot of the celebrations, saw people flock to the beach and various resorts for themed parties, gala dinners, magic shows, games, and live bands. However, the police warning to wind up the partying soon after midnight put a damper on the celebrations for many, especially the youth.
An official of Vivanta By Taj, Kovalam, said bookings had been affected as restriction on serving liquor did not go down well with guests. He estimated a fall of 30 per cent to 40 per cent in the clientele.
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Tickets for the celebrations in hotels ranged from ₹500 to ₹5,000.
Curbs on liquor and restrictions by the police forced many hotels to host modest affairs. At KTDC’s flagship property Hotel Mascot, celebrations were low key. Many hotels did not rope in DJs, instead focussing on live gigs,and dance, fireworks, magic shows, tarot treading, kids’ corners, and comedy events.
A representative of a private hotel in the city said no relaxation in hours for serving liquor would see many have second thoughts about ringing in the new year in hotels. “Once the bar closes at 10, many will chafe at having no liquor till midnight.”
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However, some hotels opted to host the celebrations without any liquor.
Old-age age homes and orphanages under the Social Justice Department held the celebrations titled Thoovalsparsham at Nishangandhi here.
At the Thycaud police grounds, Kerala Tourism and the District Tourism Promotion Council jointly organised a barrier-free and drug-free New Year bash in association with organisations such as H2O. The differently abled were the star performers at the event. The National Institute for Speech and Hearing had brought a 19-member team that performed mono-act, cinematic dance, and hip-hop. Tourism Secretary V. Venu, Tourism Director U.V. Jose, Mayor V. K. Prasanth, Vamanapuram MLA D.K. Murali, and DTPC secretary T.V. Prasanth were present at the formal inauguration.