With big gatherings banned, Bengalureans prepare for a low-key New Year's Eve

For most Bengaluru folk, New Year celebrations will be a mellow affair with family and close ones this year. After the Karnataka government issued guidelines to prevent revelry in public places, people are either planning to have a small gathering at home or opting for other venues.
New Year's eve with family
For professional entertainers like DJ Jasmeet and Rohit Barker, this New Year's eve will be different."With no events in the city, this will be the first time in many years that I will be celebrating with my family. They are extremely happy that I will be with them on December 31," says Jasmeet, adding, "I have planned a BBQ on the terrace with my family and close ones, and am looking forward to it."
Similarly, Rohit says, "For the first time in 25 years, I will be spending New Year's eve with my wife. I will be planning a candle-light dinner for her and to be honest, it is a refreshing change to be able to spend with family. Several people have taken off to resorts and homestays. The responsible thing to do this year is to have a low-key New Year's and most of us are sticking to it."
Bengalureans opt for smaller parties
Since public gathering and events in open spaces are banned, several city folk are opting for smaller, intimate gatherings. "We will be renting a serviced apartment and will have a small party of our own. We are not hiring anyone for entertainment, nor are we going to have a huge crowd. It will be a small gathering of friends and we will be bringing food from our own houses. We are being extremely cautious and do not want to flout any rules," says student Bharath Jain.
Hotels get queries for private suites
While city hotels are usually bustling with activity on New Year's eve, this year there will be no celebrations. On the other hand, there have been many bookings for suites. "People are looking at having a small gathering in a room with their families. Our restaurants will be shut by 11 pm as per the government order. So, we will be having food trolleys for guests, which will be taken to their rooms/suites. Whatever was being served in the restaurant will be served in the room. In addition to this, a lot of guests are focusing on wellness. We have had several spa-related bookings and queries in the past few days," says Vineesh Gupta, general manager of a city hotel.
Ushering in the New Year with precautions
Event organiser and consultant, Rafiushan Pasha, who has taken off to Goa with his wife says, "We wanted to get out of the city since nothing much was happening in Bengaluru. Goa seemed safe. It also has that getaway vibe to it. There are a lot of places here that are secluded and one can have their own gathering without any crowd. Since some events are taking place here, we are being as cautious as we can. There are events with limited audience. We aren't going to crowded places and are mostly sticking to open air venues," he says.