Ahmedabad to celebrate green New Year

AHMEDABAD: Vidita Thakore, a New Year party-hopper, has hosted a small bash on December 31 at her Satellite home and is busy gathering paper-items of all kinds. She plans to fill the dance floor with florescent paper smithereens and put white tissue paper on the walls.
This is not an exercise in doing something wacky to usher in the New Year. As Thakore explains, she is going green and would like to use eco-friendly material this year."Apart from that, paper decorations look more attractive," she says.
There are many like Thakore who have kept themselves busy gathering paper stars, chips, cardboard cut-outs and paper balls as decorations. This is to ensure that what is thrown away, once the party is over, is biodegradable. Dhairya Shah, a member of ‘Mischievous’, a group which hosts private New Year parties says, "Paper decorations have caught the fancy of Amdavadis this year. Many of our friends from the US, UK and Australia who will join us at a party in Racharda insisted on using paper for decorations." ‘Mischievous’ plans to stick newspapers on the floor and walls.
Kokila Patel from ‘Feelings’ card shop in the University area here says paper decorations are in demand because they are cheaper. Lata Shah of Nikiz Gifts and Stationery shop on C G Road adds that paper decorations have been in demand since December 20.
Padmaja Dhruv from Archie’s Gallery says that big party organisers, including restaurants and multiplexes, too have asked for paper decoration. "We supply dozens of paper stars, natural straw rings, bouquets, paper balls and cardboard cut-outs to different organisers for decorations," adds Dhruv.
Looking at the demand, Archie’s has launched a special New Year party pack which includes paper decorations. "We have also launched theme paper plates and glasses for New Year parties, which are selling like hot cakes," says Shah.
R C Patel, owner of Swad — a fast food joint says, "We plan to decorate the restaurant with only paper products. From a Christmas tree made out of paper to small chocolate boxes. The entire range of New Year decorations used will be eco-friendly," he adds.
Dr Nirish Shah who has come all the way from US says it is usual to spread toilet paper on the dance floor at private parties in the US. "It is not only a handy and a cheap decoration, but it is also eco-friendly and looks elegant in the UV light," he adds.
Besides, ‘eco-friendly’ decorations, Amdavadis are also demanding new music. Shivang Bidiwala, a DJ known as Tantra, says, "This year the city’s youth want something different. They no longer want soppy love songs. Party hoppers demand fusion and trance tracks."
Another DJ from the city Sujal Desai, who has been playing music since December 20 at parties says, "Though themes for parties this year may vary, the common thing will be the use of classy paper decorations and fresh music."