The usual buzz surrounding New Year was present in the city on Monday despite the gruesome gang-rape of a 23-year-old girl in Delhi, who died two days ago.
The celebrations were neither cancelled at prominent hotels nor were subdued even as the celebrations were cancelled at metros and national capital mourning the gang-rape victim. The people were seen to be very enthusiastic about the New Year bash, and revelled in the New Year celebrations.
They, mostly youth, hanged out with their pals and relatives at the clubs and hotels. The celebrations were organised at Vijayawada Club, and star hotels, which roped in actresses and popular DJs. A host of games, skits and songs were played throughout the night.
The hotels offered private disco rooms for groups of 20, live singing and dancing by a special dance troupe and lucky draw with interesting gifts, all at an affordable price which included a widespread buffet dinner.
The hotels offered elaborate menus and good music. The people thronged popular markets and fun spots on New Year eve on Monday in the city where police kept a tight vigil to ensure that the festivities took place without any untoward incident.
Taking no chances
The police pulled out all stops to ensure that the New Year celebrations were peaceful this year.
The police put special focus on women’s safety. The nakabandis were set up at random all over the city to check drunken-driving, triple riding, rash and speed driving. The police had warned people that the offenders would be dealt with strictly. During the day, the students on Monday continued their protests against violence against women, a day after the gang rape victim was cremated under heavy security at Delhi.
