Hyderabadis herald New Year in style

• Celebrations marked by DJ nights, celebrity-graced parties
• Despite late night revelry, religious places teemed with devout

Hyderabad: Denizens of twin cities thronged brightly lit resorts, hotels and pubs to celebrate the dawn of new year. In spite of partying late into the night – notwithstanding the restrictions by the police on timing – people headed to parks such as Lumbini and NTR Gardens in the morning. Several hotels brought singers, dancers and celebrities from other parts of the country.

Thousands were seen making their way to Lumbini Park to soak in the New Year revelry. Madhavi S V, a legal transcriptionist said, “There is a tradition in our family. We visit Birla Mandir and the Lumbini Park on January 1. It is a ritual we do not miss. It feels good to start the New Year on this note.”

The Birla Mandir, Ganesh Temple at Secunderabad and many more across the city are peoples’ favourite. Residents in apartments too organised parties in cellars and on terrace. Rukmini Srinivasan, a resident of Mallepally said, “We decided to ring in the New Year by getting together as all are so busy that people never get a chance to talk to each other. Occasions such as these help in bonding and also clear misunderstandings.”

At some colonies, people played fun games and burst crackers. Women drew rangolis in front of homes to bid adieu to 2018. The Anglo Indian community too danced their way, Derek, a railway employee said, “During the 80s we used to have parties every week and we would jive all through the night. The New Year is a special occasion. We no longer party at the Railway Club but we make sure to meet.”