Published on Page 2, The New Indian Express
Coimbatore city edition, Dated December 30, 2006
By Francis P Barclay
Coimbatore, Dec 29: As time nears to bid adieu to 2006 and ring in the New Year, the city feels the thrill tickling the stomach and gets ready for the grand finale. Merrymakers, stiffen your waist and buckle your shoes.
The night of revelry, how to take it in? Will it go without dance, music, carousal, party and merrymaking? Certainly not. The hotels in the city are offering special New Year packages. But each individual has his or her own way of celebration. Some sit with cellphones sending messages, while a few celebrate with stage shows and tea party with friends. Others go beyond. Those who can't afford parties and dances prefer to walk along the streets and be happy seeing people merrymaking. Junketing starts at about 8 p.m. and would last hours after midnight.
James, a resident of Podanur, says he and his friends would make an effigy, stuff it with straw and crackers and burst it at midnight. ``We would bring a music system and dance,'' he adds.
Even for students preparing for semester exams, celebration is there. Anugraha, a first year engineering student who stays in a college ladies hostel, says: ``We would enjoy the night with games and competitions. We have our hefty New Year cake too.''
For the rich, the Residency is offering a DJ night with dances, games and feast. Couples ready to shell out Rs 3,333 each could find a place there. For children, however, the entry fee is only Rs 1,111 while for singles, it
is Rs 2,222. The hotel offers a sumptuous spread of dishes and welcome drinks too.
If that proves too costly, plan the night at Black Thunder Resort. At the buffet dinner, amid the fast beats serving as background, about 40 dishes would be served. It's Rs 1,800 for a couple and Rs 1,000 for singles. Also
enjoy participating in a Jaya TV comedy programme.
Deepthi, working in a media firm, says she would have some stage shows and tea party. ``Anyway, I won't miss the TV programmes,'' she says.
Looking for another hangout in the city? CAG Pride arranges special programmes for revellers with DJ, cinematic dance and games. The entry fee is Rs 1,750 for couples.
Ishwarya, a student, wants to begin the year with a balsamic song.
``A new set of happenings is awaiting us. With the experiences we have had this year and yesteryears, make a better life next year,'' says Saranya, a student of Thiyagarajar College of Engineering.
Rajasimman, an employee with a software firm, says he will celebrate New Year with his friends. Vimal, his colleague, adds: ``Certainly, we won't stay at home and sleeping. We plan a place out.''
Shalu, a diploma student, says: ``We are 12 of a group and would go for a new release in the theatre.''
Any New Year resolutions? Nishad, working in media, has one. He wants to write a novel in the coming year. It was his dream project.
``New Year reminds that you have grown one year old, and you must do something bold. I will announce my resolution and, of course, wouldn't keep up,'' college student Yumnya Yongam says.
Nithya, an English literature student, says she plans to read more novels the coming year. ``I am also going to do some charity work,'' she adds.
