Bangalore Moves into New Year in High Spirits
Bangalore, Jan 1 (DHNS): Bonhomie, revelry and fireworks marked the beginning of 2013 in Bangalore as thousands thronged City streets, especially M G Road, for New Year’s Day celebrations that began on Monday evening and continued past midnight.
In the evening, a group of IT professionals gathered at Brigade Road to protest against crimes against women. They argued for a change in the mindset of society. “We are urging people to help us espouse our cause,” Arun R, one of the protesters, told Deccan Herald.
But not many heeded their call. Church Street, Kamaraj Road and Rest House Road were chock-a-block with revellers. Many a youth exchanged New Year greetings at the top of his voice.
Police deployments at vital points kept vigil over anti-social elements. Family dinner, temple visits and long drives also marked the ushering in of the New Year. Many people enjoyed parties at farm houses and discotheques. BTM Layout, Madiwala, Sarjapura, Kanakapura and Yelahanka were also focal points of the celebrations. Restaurants reverberated with New Year greetings.
Even conservative residential areas Basavanagudi and Malleswaram witnessed unbridled merrymaking. MNC employee Srikanth Iyengar and mass communications student Aprajita bade goodbye to 2012 and welcomed the New Year with elan. Bars and pubs did brisk business, with some joints fleecing customers. There was no boycotting of celebrations by the women, despite a series of crimes reported against them across the country.
Monica Lalzarliana, 26, said: “I know that there have been crimes against women, but one must understand that ‘hiding’ is not a solution. It is important that we send a strong message.”
By 12:30 am, the police started urging the revellers to clear the roads for traffic and a fresh beginning.