Pics by Kalakruti
Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Panaji, Jan 1: Neither recession nor terror scare that has engulfed the country post-Mumbai carnage could beat the enthusiasm of the people as they usher in the New Year pregnant with hope. Though many refrained from attending “big bang parties,” and celebrations appeared subdued, churches had its usual crowd for midnight mass, nevertheless.
People appeared more than eager to close doors on 2008 that shook them to the core as they watched Mumbai’s 26/11 carnage live on TV. And, though many dance events on Wednesday night did take place, the crowd was no match to that of the preceding years.
Many stayed indoors, or had small gathering with barbeque parties.
The Christmas celebrations were low key with thinning down of tourists, but last two days of the year saw a change. Hoards of domestic tourists made a beeline to Goa to celebrate the dawn of New Year in the land of sea, sun, sand, rum, feni and fun.
Though foreign tourists coming to India choose to be in Goa during New Year celebrations, their number was less than usual.
Nevertheless, Bollywood starts, prominent models, business tycoons and some national leaders marked the end of 2008, in Goa.
Wednesday evening saw terrific congestions almost on all roads leading to beach sites, entry points to the city, and at Porvorim junction as tourists and made a beeline to be in the costal belts.
At some places traffic moved at snail’s pace because of due to the tight security arrangements.
For a change, screening of vehicles was thorough than ever before, and Goa police along with other security deployment were kept on their toes as last day of the year bid goodbye.
If nothing else, people will remember December 31 night as that of tight security with men in uniform wielding guns guarding public places, prominent churches, beaches and important entry points.
Overall, Goans had a somber New Year’s Eve celebrations as the clock struck 12, bringing in new hope, aspirations, fresh dreams and most important of all, a new beginning.