Belagavi: People of Kunda city are all set to welcome the
New Year with great enthusiasm and
Old Man effigies are in great demand. The effigies made of hay, bamboo and paper are burnt on roads and circles on the night of December 31 as a symbol of burning unpleasant memories of the past year.
The tradition of burning the effigy of Old Man originates in Santa Fe, New Mexico, dating back to 1924. It is famous in the Camp area where people prepare and sell Old Man effigies ranging from 2ft to 20ft high.
Last year, the demand for these effigies was dampened due to demonetization. This year, the enthusiasm has regained. "I have received more orders compared to the last year," Mallesh Kamble, Old Man effigy maker told STOI.
The effigies are put on fire a few minutes before the arrival of the New Year. Children and youths dance around the effigy to music.
A Bahubali-shaped effigy is ready at Camp. Last year, it was a person holding black money in hand. The themes cover contemporary issues.
Belagavi is heavily influenced by the Mumbai and
Goan culture. Like every year, many event management companies organize New Year parties at various places — both indoors and outdoors — amid DJ music, singing and dancing, besides food and drinks.
However, due to the GST effect and hike in the taxes on entertainment and luxury items, only a few event management companies are organizing events in city. The famous Belgaum Club is organizing orchestra and live DJ music programmes. Popular hotels like Mariette, Eifa, Sankam and Adarsha Palace are also ready with events. Many hotels welcome the New Year by cutting cakes.
Bars open till 1am
Police department has allowed bars and restaurants, resorts, recreational clubs and hotels to remain open till 1am. However, managements of the establishments concerned need to obtain permission from the excise department to serve liquor beyond stipulated time. In this regard, IGP (Northern Range) Ramachandra Rao has issued orders under Section 31 (w) of the Karnataka Police Act 1963.
The demand for effigies of Old Man was affected due to demonetization last year. This time, however, they are ... Read More
