The Night That Was

For a couple of years,Sector 35 had been the hot spot for New Year eve parties. However,this time around Sector 26 was the place to be. Most events warmed up well after 10 pm and that time seemed to be the order of the day,starting with The Lobby that played host to MTV Splitsvilla contestant Sophie and Bollywood dancer Jaishree who danced to the tunes of DJ Amit. “It’s a rocking party and I love the fact that they have a midnight feast as well,” mentioned Radhika Sharma,a city-based banker who was out with friends on the night at The Lobby. A block away in the same sector,Kava club and restaurant ran to a full house and couples were still clamouring to get indoors well past midnight. The newly opened Tao Club and Lounge in Sector 26 had DJs Rummy and Chinx playing to the crowds.

“This year the party scene is good with a lot of options. We have just come from Hotel Mountview and after Score,our group will head to The Lobby,” said PU student Harkirat Brar who was party-hopping along with his group of five friends. The price of couple passes,which was at most places as high as Rs 8,000,was not a deterrent. “We had been planning to party-hop and had managed passes in time,” said Brar’s friend Nidhi Grewal.

At Hotel Mountview,steaming up the cold night was Bollywood item girl Sanober Kabir with DJ Tani. Also among those who party-hopped across the tricity was businessman Dhruv Goyal. Goyal and his family partied at a private get-together at Page 3 followed by one at Antidote and finally wrapping up at S Lounge. “The quality of parties has really improved this time,” he remarked.

The city’s discotheques were equally packed to capacity. “We hosted around 250 people who rocked with DJ Rana and De Pack till the early hours,” informed the manager of Aerizzona. At Score nightclub in Sector 8,the highlight was another Splitsvilla contestant Sanjana who played hip-hop,rock,Punjabi and old English numbers. As many as 200 couples partied away the night here. Buoyed by the response and inviting those who missed last night’s party,Score hosted another bash on Saturday evening.

Adding a celebrity touch to the merry-making was The Toy Hotel in Sector 34 which had actor Jimmy Shergill shaking a leg at the New Year’s eve party. At Hotel Western Court in Sector 43,the masquerade party got a good response as did city rapper Nawab Sahib who performed here. Elsewhere,in Panchkula,the most happening party was on at Hotel Bella Vista. Fire breathers and Latino and Samba dancers along with flair girls were the highlight here.

A show well-managed,guarded by city police

Chandigarh Police,which is otherwise facing a sharp criticism for not being able to solve numerous sensational cases in the year 2010,however,managed the New Year eve with utmost professionalism. As a result,amidst tight police security,New Year’s eve went off well with a few minor brawls and stray incidents of hooliganism.

According to police officials,there were around 2,600 personnel deployed in various parts of the city including 2,000 policemen and 580 from the reserve battalion. Besides 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police,42 Inspectors were deployed at various points to ensure a safe evening for city residents. Eight Ambulances were also pressed into service in case of any exigencies.

There were around 38 police nakas put up by the traffic and police control room,ensuring smooth traffic flow on city roads and preventing traffic violations. Around 145 violators were challaned for various traffic violations,including drunken driving,overspeeding,high-beam,using mobile phones while driving,smoking while driving etc.Three vehicles were impounded when the violators refused to comply with the police directions and resorted to nuisance.

Besides that,around 25 outer barriers were manned by the paramilitary and Chandigarh police personnel to avoid any untoward incidents.

The major points kept under surveillance last evening included Sector 17 plaza; Chandigarh Club,Hotel Mountview,Sector 26,35 and 43 hotel lanes; DSOI,Golf Club,Shivalikview; Fun Republic,IT Park and Home Tel hotel in the Industrial Area. According to police officials,the evening went off well without any casualty being reported from any part of the city due to any untoward incident.