City welcomes 2019 with a bang

Coimbatore:Special mass at churches, parties at star hotels, bashes organized at clubs, quieter and smaller house parties, and revelry on the streets marked the New Year on Monday night.
Though the city’s arterial roads and flyovers saw massive traffic jams, police were praised for keeping revellers under control and keeping pedestrians safe.

While many families chose to celebrate the New Year eve in the quiet confines of their homes with marathon game nights and private parties, a few decided to attend the fun-filled parties organized in the city’s popular clubs. While some clubs organized games, dance shows and singing performances before opening the dance floor, others stuck to an entertainment-filled night.

Many people chose to spend the night at star hotels, enjoying unlimited food and liquor. Others went to churches to attend the special midnight mass organized to welcome 2019.

While reaching party locations on Monday night was a simple affair, returning home was harder. However, not many people stuck in traffic complained. For in true Coimbatore style, the streets were filled with youngsters dancing on cars and motorcycles, wishing each other a happy New Year. Car stereos blurted out popular Tamil songs, prompting the crowd to shake a leg.

A few enthusiastic youngsters, besides wishing everyone they drove past, also threw flower petals on the onlookers as the clock struck 12. “It was looking dangerous as boys were standing and dancing on moving cars. People were riding triples on bikes and dancing behind the rider,” said Vyjayanthi U, a resident. “But there were enough cops on the roads, who ensured that the onlookers stayed on the pavements and prevented accidents. They did a good job,” she told TOI.

Youngsters began bursting crackers on the Avinashi Road and Race Course. They converged on the Avinashi Flyover, Uppilipalayam Flyover and Coimbatore North Flyover and began screaming as the clock ticked away to 12’o clock. They cut cakes and distributed pieces among the crowd.

After the celebrations, it was almost 1.30pm before vehicles could move smoothly on the city roads.