It's time to turn over a new leaf

Ever heard of Spaniards devouring 12 grapes on the countdown to midnight or Chileans spending time in the cemetery to be with their departed loved ones on New Year’s Eve? Call it bizarre or traditional, every country has a unique way of marking New Year’s Eve.

In all these celebrations what remains a constant is the zest to turn over a new leaf, and welcome the New Year while flipping over the moments of the year that passes by. As the countdown to 2014 rings in new hopes, desires and aspirations, Metrolife takes a look at the party scene in the Capital and speaks to Delhiites about their New Year’s Eve (NYE) plans.

Ringing in the New Year with élan, Diljeet Singh Bindra, General Manager, Shiro, Hotel Samrat, says, “This year our theme is Venetian masquerade ball; reminiscent of the triumphal processions of feasts where a mask is used to celebrate equality to represent the world as one. And we also have DJ Vijju performing at the NYE party.” With beefed-up security arrangements, Shiro is offering a stag entry for Rs 7,500, and entry for couples at Rs 15000, inclusive of unlimited food and drinks. 

“What happens in Vegas does not have to stay there,” says Kanika Kumar, National Brand Manager, Hard Rock Cafe, revealing their NYE plans, “Our themed NYE party, Viva Las Vegas! will give way to the glitz and glamour of the sin city. Since parties in Las Vegas are known for their top -notch entertainment, A–listers on the guest list and providing superior standards of service, we thought of it as the perfect theme to bring in 2014!” The entry fee for this bash ranges between 4,000-10,000 rupees. 

Ditching the party scene in clubs, Sidhant Kaushik plans to spend his NYE in a farmhouse in Chattarpur. “However much money you may spend, you can’t get the comfort of enjoying a party till dawn in any city-based outlet. I prefer being with my own circle of friends. With a personal pool, we might even end up splashing up a bit in water even in the midst of a cold night in Delhi,” reveals Sidhant about his whacky NYE plans.

On the other hand, occupied in wrapping up month-end work, Lalit Raiswal, a private bank executive, is on a race against time. He tells us, “In the banking sector, the end of the month almost keeps you busy in office till the wee hours. For now, there’s a bit of a confusion as to whether we will have to finish this work on 31st night or keep it pending for the next day. Either way, it seems I am going to celebrate my New Year with my colleagues at work only.” With the NYE falling in the middle of the week, people like Lalit are unable to make concrete plans for the celebrations this year.

But wherever you end up being, keep your enthusiasm alive and spend a wonderful time as the year 2013 paves way for a promising 2014 ahead. Metrolife wishes you a very Happy New Year!