Creative social media posts by Kolkata Police (L) and Punjab Police.
Credit: X
New Year's Eve is a time when people from all walks of life hit the streets and head out for parties to usher in a new beginning with a spirit of cheer.
Things can easily go south on this day as managing crowds (and people who are drunk heading home from the parties) becomes a logistical issue for any police department.
Many police departments on this day take to social media to warn revellers to maintain decorum and follow traffic rules when they travel through the city.
Some of these posts are quite creative, as pointed out by industrialist Anand Mahindra on social media.
Mahindra shared an X post by the Punjab Police where they have put out a message in the form of a party invite, saying, "Police forces around the country are amongst the savviest & coolest users of social media." Take a look:
The Kolkata Traffic Police Department was also not far behind. They put out a similar invite-themed poster announcing a 'performance' by 'DJ TRAFFIC COPS, KOLKATA', where entry will be free for rashdrivers, drunk drivers, traffic signal violators, 'without helmet bike riders' and 'other eligible violators'.
The Delhi Police added another spin—In their social media post, the organisation announced a 'Cell Block Party' 'for hooligans'.
The post says the the opening performance will be a 'breathalyser', which will feature 'DJ Buckle Up' and 'DJ Safety First'.
It also mentions of a VIP Lounge which will be provided by the Delhi Police with amenities like 'Comfortable sitting area with cold cell bars and hot beats'. Transportation in the form of 'SUVs with special red and blue beacons' will also be available.
Check out the post here:
Bengaluru Police, on the other hand, took a different approach. They chose to opt for a clip from the famous comedy show Mr Bean as part of their warning message drunk drivers.
In the clip, when a waiter at a fancy restaurant offers Mr Bean their house wine, he takes a small sip and refuses to drink any further as he has to drive later.
The post comes with a warning: "Don't drink and drive' This can cause immense damage to you and your loved ones."
The Mumbai Police Commissioner's official X handle also had an important message for drivers: Start 2025 by popping balloons and not airbags."
A number of quick-commerce platforms have been reporting massive sales on 2024 New Year's eve, which goes on to show that while Indians brought in the new year with style on the streets, some decided to stay indoors and avoid any untoward incidences.