Brigade Rd keeps date with New Year's Eve revelry

The usual sight of bumper-to-bumper cars on Brigade Road was replaced by a sea of people with their hands up in the air counting down to 2017.

Unlike the previous years, the lights on Brigade Road were not switched off for the New Year countdown for safety reasons. But this did not dampen the euphoria of the crowd as it whistled and cheered.  MG Road and the surrounding areas began to swell as early as 7 pm with revellers old and young. Bright red lights from devil-horn headbands moved up and down Brigade Road and Church Street.

These and flowery tiaras were being bought in dozens by party-goers. Everyone had their phones out, clicking selfies to show their friends what they were doing to welcome the New Year.

All the watering holes in and around the central business district were full with many waiting for their turn to enter. Besides the branded restaurants, roadside eateries and vendors selling people masks, balloons and plastic trumpets also did brisk business. Notwithstanding the impact of demonetisation, people came out in large numbers to welcome the New Year. Almost all star hotels and clubs were full.

R Nakum and his family were celebrating their first New Year in Bengaluru. “We were just roaming around and we came to MG Road. Our friends told us what it would be like here but we were not prepared to see crowds in such a celebratory mood,” he said.

Exams and studies took a backseat on New Year’s Eve. Manisha S, a final-year engineering student, was out with her friends on Brigade Road. “Our exams will begin in two days but we wanted to come out and check out the craziness here,” she said.

Another student, Sai Prashanti, used the occasion to pursue her passion. “I love photography and the scene here is perfect for experimenting with my camera. I got many interesting bouquet shots of the decorative lights,” she said with excitement.

In 2017, the resolution is to not make any resolutions. “Every year, we come up with crazy ideas like getting six-pack abs. Halfway through the year, it doesn’t work out. So this year, I am not making any promises to myself,” said Brahmadutt Nair, an engineering student. The same goes for Sarika, a class 10 student, who did not manage to fulfil her resolutions to grow her hair long and do better in school. Her mother Solai, however, has not given up yet. “I am a woman entrepreneur, so my resolution is to work hard and improve my business,” she said.

Police, supported by CCTV cameras, kept an eye on the revellers to prevent untoward incidents.
DH News Service