As fog threatens train and flight delays, New Year’s eve could be best celebrated within the city itself. Impressively enough, keeping the same in mind, several restaurants have decked out to commit a countdown to the New Year that will be both entertaining and enchanting for children and adults alike. There’s everything from sufi renditions to DJ beats to choose from.
Presenting a harmonic amalgamation of Sufi and Rajashani folk music, suffused with regional charm, are the Barmer Boys, led by Manga ‘Mangey’ Khan (vocals, and harmonium) with the twin percussive punch of Rais Khan (morchang, bhapang, khartaal, beat-boxing) and Tarif Khan (dholak). They will be performing at Kathputli, 35, Defence Colony Market, from 8.30 pm to 9.15 pm and then from 10.30 pm till midnight. Entry charges are `1,300 per person (for the early show), inclusive of a buffet dinner that includes Rajasthani Khichdi, Daal Baati Churma, Gatta Curry, Gujarati Kadi, Palak Thepla, Chawal ki Kheer and more, and `2,000 per person, inclusive of buffet dinner, for the late show.
Next, Hard Rock Cafe, DLF Place Saket, brings to you its Masquerade Party, with DJ Ashish Nagpal at the console. There will be drinks, dances and dazzle with masks, beads and feathers. The evening starts 9 pm onwards and the tickets are priced `3,500 for stag, `6,000 for a couple, `5,000 for VIP stag and `9,000 for VIP couple.
Recalling the last days of the year and rejoicing in their spirit, you can head to Fio Cookhouse in Nehru Place where popular Folktronica duo, Hari & Sukhmani, will be performing. You can also enjoy remixes by DJ Kronik. Dress code is gold and black.
Closer to the epicentre of the city, Quote Bar in the outer circle of Connaught Place, DJ Raga will be playing international blockbusters all night long. There will also be interesting bar games. Cost for the night is `6,500 all inclusive, for a couple (unlimited food and drinks). The New Year special menu comprises signatures such as Chicken Baccon Roll, Smokey Barbeque Chicken Wings, Roast Turkey with Orange and Ginger Sauce, Prawn Cocktail, Mexican Cottage Cheese Poppers, Chicken Chettinad with Lemon Rice and more.
Finally, for connoisseurs of a more traditional taste, sitarist Azeem Ahmed Alvi, who recently concluded his 15th European tour, when he performed at the Jazz Festival in Vienna, World Music Festival in Stuttgart, Germany, and at the Jazz-Fest in Nurnberg, Germany, among many others, will be performing at the 800th birthday celebration of Khwaja Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia at the Ghalib Academy, Hazrat Nizamuddin, on New Year’s Eve. Other artistes of repute such as Mehtad Ali Miiazi will accompany Alvi on the sitar and on vocals, along with Haseez Ahmed on tabla. Evening commences at 5:30 pm.
Prior reservations for each of the above events recommended. Booking open now. Call the respective restaurant to get details on each programme.