Bengalureans to beat night curfew blues with BBQ parties, sleepovers & movie marathons

BENGALURU: With the night curfew ruling out public parties, Bengalureans are finding unique ways to usher in 2022. Barbeque kits are out, sleepover plans are being chalked out, ardent partygoers are settling for terrace get-togethers, and some are even busy zeroing in on movies and series that they can binge-watch on New Year’s Eve.
G Kalyan Kumar, SAP consultant, will be spending December 31 night at a small get-together on the terrace of his friends’ home in Nelamangala.“It won’ be party lights this year but open sky and fireworks. Usually, my New Year’s Eve is either spent in a happening pub or in arranging a party,” he said.
Aslam Basheer, founder of Café Azzure and Rocktfuel Agency, has planned a fun barbeque party with his family. “I have my barbeque grill set dusted which I had used in December 2020,” the Rajajinagar resident said, adding that if it were not for Covid, he would be out camping in the wilderness on the last day of the year.
“I don’t like loud music or noise, so I like to keep it sober. Camping, game nights or potluck would have been an ideal NY night,” he said.
Amanda Sequeira, a corporate communications professional, is looking forward to a quiet New Year’s Eve. “This year is not going to be very different from the last one for me, especially with the night curfew in place. I’m going to open a bottle of wine, order a large pizza and do a movie marathon. Being a dog mom, I’m quite happy to stay home and spend time with Bailey (pet),” she said, adding that if not for Covid, she would have been on a vacation. “...And would welcome the New Year in some beach resort, sipping cocktails and making new friends,” the Sarjapur resident said.
For banking professional Madhumathi Raman as well, New Year’s Eve will be all about binging on new movies and series. “It would have been a get-together with friends, but with restrictions, it’s going to be a virtual one on WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom,” she said. With a restriction of operating pubs, restaurants and hotels at 50% capacity, many partygoers are sticking to home parties and sleepovers.
Vaishakh and his friends, all students, have a sleepover planned as they won’t be able to return home after their parties. “I don’t want to be stopped by cops at every turn. So, we’ll be spending the entire night at one of our friend’s homes. The party menu is planned, and we’ll start ordering around 8pm,” he said. While saying that pizza from Brik Oven and kebabs from Empire are a must for a party, Vaishakh also has a request: “I urge everyone to tip the delivery executives generously. They are the reason we can relax indoors.”
While restaurants and eateries are looking forward to a busy night, some places like the Foodhall@1MG Mall are even offering special party menus, like charcuterie of cheese and meat, artisanal crackers etc.
Apartment complexes in the city have also issued Covid guidelines, while organising fun events. Residents have been permitted to party in their flats without creating a nuisance.
Nikoo Homes 1 in Thanisandra has organised a flea market with food stalls on December 31 and January 1, but no live music or DJ-type programmes.