Mumbaikars prefered a subdued New Year as most of them stayed indoors in the wake of the November 26 Mumbai terror attacks.
Mumbaikars prefered a subdued New Year as most of them stayed indoors in the wake of the November 26 Mumbai terror attacks.
Elaborate security arrangements were made by the police to instill confidence in the people and avoid any untoward incident in the metropolis. The popular hangout places, including Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaum-Chowpatty and Juhu beach, witnessed less crowd this year as compared to previous years.
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There was tight security and the roads were blocked at key locations, where revelers were expected to assemble to welcome the New Year. Traffic was regulated across the metropolis and people were frisked and checked for drunken driving.
However, many clubs and hotels canceled the New Year functions in the backdrop of the terror attacks. Parties on yachts and midnight ferry rides witnessed a heightened alert.
Though some enthusiasts visited pubs and restaurants to attend the New year parties, many preferred to watch the New Year programmes on their television sets.
"This year due to the terror attacks we decided to keep it a low key affair and celebrated the New Year with my family members," said Divya Jadav, a college student.
"Every year we celebrate our New Year party at resorts with family friends but this year we decided to celebrate with them at my place," said Akhshay Jaiswal, a resident of Kandivali. The business community, however, expect that the New Year would bring a new ray of hope as the economy was going through a bad phase.
"The business is down for few months and we expect that the coming year gives us back what we have lost. Though it cannot be predicted how and when we will regain the financial stability," said Mukesh Motla, owner of Roopkala, a saree showroom in south Mumbai.
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