New Year party in Kolkata: House parties find favour in season of crowded eateries and choked roads
TNN | Updated: Dec 31, 2018, 10:29 IST
In 2017, Park Street was chock-a-block with people and cars. KOLKATA: As most of the city gears up to ring in the new year with visits to party hubs and dinners at restaurants, a section of the population has chosen to stay home and celebrate quitely with family and friends. In a bid to avoid overpriced drinks, crowded bars and unruly elements on the road, many Kolkatans are busy making plans to have exclusive get-togethers at home.
“I will stay at home and celebrate with my 8-year-old son,” said Himanshu Desai, a resident of Ballygunge. “I can go out and party anytime. But New Year’s Eve is an important occasion which I would like to spend with my son,” he added.
From drawing up menus to making up playlists, these people spent Sunday giving final touches to their plans for the night of December 31.
“It is the busiest night of the year and owners levy cover charges at places where you can walk in free on any other night. These places also charge exorbitantly for food and drinks on the night of December 31. Everything is also rushed that one cannot even have a proper conversation with friends and enjoy the food. So we have decided to have our own party at home,” said Shilpa Tiwari, a resident of New Town.
The very idea of partying outside on New Year’s Eve is so exciting that many people forget that they will have to return home after wading through traffic snarls. “The roads get packed with vehicles and everybody starts honking. It is a nightmare to return home after partying on December 31. The entire euphoria of stepping into the New Year goes down the drain,” said Subhankar Roy, a tea trader.
Many also do not want to risk getting in trouble with the law since most will have at least a few drinks while partying. “It is not right to drive after drinking and the cops will penalize those breaking the law, which is a good thing. It is better to have a few drinks at home and wrap up for the night,” said Amit Ghosh of Naktala.
“I will stay at home and celebrate with my 8-year-old son,” said Himanshu Desai, a resident of Ballygunge. “I can go out and party anytime. But New Year’s Eve is an important occasion which I would like to spend with my son,” he added.
From drawing up menus to making up playlists, these people spent Sunday giving final touches to their plans for the night of December 31.
“It is the busiest night of the year and owners levy cover charges at places where you can walk in free on any other night. These places also charge exorbitantly for food and drinks on the night of December 31. Everything is also rushed that one cannot even have a proper conversation with friends and enjoy the food. So we have decided to have our own party at home,” said Shilpa Tiwari, a resident of New Town.
The very idea of partying outside on New Year’s Eve is so exciting that many people forget that they will have to return home after wading through traffic snarls. “The roads get packed with vehicles and everybody starts honking. It is a nightmare to return home after partying on December 31. The entire euphoria of stepping into the New Year goes down the drain,” said Subhankar Roy, a tea trader.
Many also do not want to risk getting in trouble with the law since most will have at least a few drinks while partying. “It is not right to drive after drinking and the cops will penalize those breaking the law, which is a good thing. It is better to have a few drinks at home and wrap up for the night,” said Amit Ghosh of Naktala.
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