India Gate comes alive with celebrations
New Year bash
Thousands of Delhiites gathered at the lawns of India Gate to celebrate the first day of the New Year. With the New Year ushering in on a Sunday and weather playing a perfect mate, the revellers including people from all age groups teenagers, couples, families with children came out in large numbers. 
The joyful atmosphere filled with the fervour of celebrations was in sight, stretching from the lawns of India Gate up to Vijay Chowk.
The enthusiasm was palpable all over as people had a gala time in their own chosen ways.
While kids chose to turn the lawns into a playground; those who had come with their families were found relishing home-cooked food.
“Our entire family is here since noon. Today being a Sunday, we decided to have picnic here,” said Neelima Khatri, a sexagenarian while serving food to other family members. The entire Rajpath was chock-a-block with people as only one side of the lawn was open for public. The other side of the lawn has been closed for preparations of Republic-Day parade.
The mood was set for the youngsters; even the cold weather could not dampen their spirits from getting into the water of the boat club. “Its cold but the spirit of the day has perhaps taken over,” said Nimesh, coming out of the pool with a group of four.
Increasing footfall
With the footfall at India Gate increasing leaps and bounds by the day, the small time vendors had a field day. Be it eatables, balloons, playing balls, ice-cream; everything was up for grabs.
“Yes, I have done a pretty good business today,” said 12-year-old Sunil wearing a grin on his face. Sunil, however, politely refused to divulge the amount of money he made along with his younger brother.
The 50-year-old Ramesh, who was selling namkeen ladoo, had to leave early as he ran short of his stock. “I come here every Sunday and never leave before 7 in the evening. But today, I sold all of my stock in four hours,” he said as he packed his belongings on his bicycle.
Heavy rush
Due to heavy rush at India Gate, Delhi Police had made extra arrangements to tighten security. “Extra security personnel have been deployed around the place. Members of Rapid Action Force are also here,” said a police offcial on duty.
The traffic police had a tough time maintaining the flow of traffic on the roads criss-crossing Rajpath. The motorists too faced problems looking for a place to park their vehicles.
