It is that time of the year when most people with no reasons to party, find one. And, why not, it is the New Year’s eve! Youngsters in a bid to make most of the occassion, hunt for unique ways of partying and ushering into the the new year. Albeit, away from the eyes of law enforcers.
While most youngsters want to be in high spirits at the stroke of midnight, the spirit they restort to mostly is alcohol. The revelry sees even teenagers on the wrong side of law --all in the name of fun on New Year’s. City police, not leaving any stone unturned, too have decided to step up to the occasion. This obviously proves to be a bad news for the merry-makers. With information that drugs could be made available to the youngsters at various New Year parties, plainclothes policemen are all set to keep strict vigil on the party animals.
In addition to the party-goers toeing the legal line, safety of women is another issue the city police is worried. Incidents of sexual abuse occur throughout the city. However, most of these go unreported. Cops aim to minimise such incidents too.
But, not all party-hoppers are thinking about taking law in their hands. “The place of part is not as important, as is the company you. It is the crowd that in reality makes a party, a happening one. New Year’s, of course, is an occasion to celebrate and rejoice the year ahead,” says Arun Krishna, a college student from Malkajgiri. Arun and friends are planning to hit different pubs and parties to welcome 2014.
However, for Sridhar (name changed) from Musheerabad, New Year’s eve is synonymous with alcohol. “We have already stocked up a lot of booze and plan to party at a friend’s place. Music, booze of our choice at a place of our choice is what makes a happening party,” he says. He adds that he is aware of all the restrictions inposed by the city police.
Meanwhile, Samatha Gayatri from Vidhyanagar, asks what’s so special about a New Year.
“I go pubing whenever I want. New Year parties don’t excite me. Moreover, there will be so much rush everywhere. You can’t enjoy. It is not worth it,” she says. Samatha adds that safety and security is another matter of concern on such occasions. With rising number of crimes against women , she says, her parents would be worried to let her party on the 31st night.
On the other hand, another college student from the city, who wished to remain anonymous, explains his idea of a party; “What’s a party without some grass?” He adds, “When smoke during regularly, what difference does it make if we do it on New Year too? Besides, procuring some cannabis may be fraught with a little risk, but no big really.”
City police, well aware of the partying potentials of the New Year party-goers, has uped its security measures for the occasion. Anjani Kumar, Addl CP, Law and Order, said, they have issued a set of guidelines to all the pub owners, hotel managements, etc., for the occasion.
According to him, any complaints against managements serving alcohol to underage or not shutting down by 1a.m., would be liable for legal action. “We also request the public to inform us if they notice anything suspicious or illegal taking place in the name of new year parties,” he said.
In a lighter vein
Everyone has great plans to bid adieu to the year that’s going to end in a couple of hours. After going through a lot of planning, finally the day is here to execute all your grand plans and have a bash, making it a distinct and pleasant memory. While you plan to hit the new year afresh with a bang, check out the do’s and don’ts of New Year’s Eve.
l If you’re a party person, then there’s plenty that you can do. With multiple themed-parties and events happening in the city, you can roam around checking them out and then decide the ones you enjoy the most and spend the night there to have a gala time.
l Remember to call up people to give them New Year greetings as you get a chance to speak with people you didn’t get to meet on the day.
l Bygones are bygones. Appreciate what you have and if you want to change something, this is the moment for it. So, gear up for the new year with a refreshing positive attitude for all that is in store for you this year.
l Think of all the accomplishments this year, from tiny to big. Give yourself a pat on the back for having a good choice and potential to create moments that make you feel good.
l While it’s important that you don’t drink and drive, it’s also important that you don’t ride with someone who had too much to drink. It’s advisable to take cab on your way back home.
l If you are setting off fire crackers at midnight, don’t forget to follow the usual safety codes-- don’t bend too low while burning them, don’t ignite firecrackers if there’s a heavy breeze, be careful with the misfired ones, and don’t tamper with them.
l Don’t come up with resolutions that you won’t be able to keep up. It’s good to have some resolutions but it’s even better to have realistic goals.
Have fun!