India on New Year Eve

Marking the beginning of a new calendar year, the New Year eve brings to the fore the real charm of the country as people from all communities come together to bid adieu to the Year gone by and usher a warm welcome to the New Year.

All across the world, irrespective of cultures and traditions, the New Year's Eve is symbolic of initiation of a new chapter in everyone's life. Festivities reach a crescendo on the evening of 31st December as the partying gets to full swing by midnight. As the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve, fireworks begin and champagne bottles are uncorked to mark the beginning of the New Year. With the advent of satellite television, western influences have permeated into the mindscape of the Indian society and it is reflected in the zeal and gusto with which the festival is being celebrated in the past decade. However the unity with which the entire country celebrates the festival brings to fore the concreteness and solidity of Indian culture.

In big cities celebrations are usually grand and pompous as star class luxury hotels organize special programs, live performances and sparkling fireworks to mark the occasion. Live Concerts and performances by celebrities set the tone of the evening as crowds sway to the feet tapping music and cheer the performers making the atmosphere very charged and electric. Metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai witness large crowds which gather at popular spots such as the Gateway of India, Girgaum beach, Bandra Bandstand or the Juhu Beach. In Delhi one can see large gatherings around India Gate and premium high streets like Connaught place are thronged by people in large numbers who come to celebrate the NewYear braving the chilly winter winds.

The Indian diaspora spread across all countries descends in large numbers and flights to India are usually overbooked as nearly everyone wants a feel of home on such an auspicious day. The New Year Eve is however the best time to adopt New Year Resolutions which bring focus and purpose in everyone's life. Resolutions which one may or may not be able to follow but which help us instill a sense of discipline in our psyche paving the way for a brighter future.