Mangaluru welcomes 2016 with gusto

Mangaluru, Jan 1: The coastal city erupted in a blaze of colour and light at midnight as the world ushered in the New Year in style.

Hundreds of people, including men and women, thronged the main roads in the last moments of 2015 to witness the celebrations amidst fireworks. Spirit of the crowd rose as midnight approached and crackers made the sky colourful as the clock struck 12 midnight.

People were seen exchanging New Year greetings by shaking hands and hugging each other.

Hotels and clubs in and around the city had offered special loads of gifts to its customers in an attempt to make their New Year celebrations a memorable one. Prominent hotels offered sumptuous food, live music, dance competition, unlimited food and some colourful events.

The Ocean Pearl, Summer Sands Beach Resort, Pandit Health Resort and Spa, City Beach Resort, Hotel Indrani Amrut Palace, Mukka, Hotel Indrani Palace, Mukka, Lobo's River View, Thirsty Turtle, Mangaluru, Dirt Track 4th Mile, Kuloor ground, Panambur Beach, The DV8 Lounge, Empire Mall are some of the places where grand parities were held.

Those who refrained from expensive New Year parties welcomed the year 2016 in front of Television in their houses.

The police department has just given half-an-hour extension for the people of Mangaluru to welcome 2016 after midnight, in order to avoid untoward incidents in the late night.

The Mangaluru police were out in full strength on New Year's eve to rein in drunk drivers. Alcometers were used to check drunken driving. In some places where alcometers were not there, drivers suspected for drunken driving were be taken for a medical examination, police sources said.

Police teams were formed to curb instances of youth and students misbehaving with women in the guise of wishing them. They have also warned of strict action against persons indulging is drag races, driving vehicles rashly, drinking and driving, creating ruckus, drinking on beaches and conducting dances or programmes which are obscene.

The police had also set up surveillance cameras to ensure law and order amidst the New Year celebrations on the beaches.