GUWAHATI, Dec 31 � Gripped in the fervour of the New Year celebrations, the people of Guwahati enjoyed the eve of 2014, hoping that coming year would bring peace, prosperity and a secured environment for the people of the city as well as the State.
Cross sections of people celebrated the last day of 2013 according to their taste and preferences. Soaring prices of all essential commodities, however, remained a great concern for the people, with many preferring a budget-friendly feast instead of going for a lavish buffet.
A large section of people came out during the day time to celebrate the last day of the year, to avoid the winter chill and the evening rush as well. Pleasant weather throughout the day helped people enjoy the day in several parks, restaurants and other public places.
Even the shopping malls were the favourite haunts of the people for picking up the essentials for celebrating the last and first day of 2013 and 2014 respectively. The markets were also abuzz with buyers busy in the last minute shopping for the New Year celebration.
To attract the affluent class, the discotheques, pubs and clubs have organized New Year parties with elaborate menu, music and other means of entertainment. Liquor bars also did brisk business today, with a section of revellers associating New Year celebrations with alcohol consumption.
However, the district administration has imposed certain restrictions on the liquor bars and New Year parties and the teams of police and district magistrates would be on the streets for keeping a vigil. The timing of serving liquor is up to 11.30 pm in some of the bars which have obtained special permission, and for the New Year party the wind-up time is 12.30 am.
�In all the four zones, Dispur, Panjabari, Pandu and Chandmari, our teams would be patrolling to ensure that the New Year eve is celebrated peacefully and the citizens follow the instructions of the administration,� said ADC, Kamrup Metro Dipak Chaudhury.
He further added that the drive against drunkards and reckless driving would continue during the night.
The mode of welcoming the New Year also varies from people to people. Visiting temples, however, has been a very popular way of welcoming the New Year. �The year 2013 started on Tuesday, and the Hanuman temples witnessed huge rush. As Wednesday is considered as the day of Lord Ganesha and Krishna, I am planning to visit Ganesha temple of Ganeshguri early in the morning tomorrow,� said Dipankar Choudhury, a resident of Zoo Tiniali area.
The television channels have also left no stone unturned to attract the viewers through various �New Year special� programmes, featuring popular film and TV actors, singers and stand-up comedians.
�I wish that the coming year brings peace and progress in the State and the country as well as solution to various problems, people faced during 2013,� Angshuman Adhikari, a senior citizen mentioned.
