It's 1st Jan, 2011 today .... yes, the 01-01-11 date. I just happened to watch the mid-night celebration at Times Square, NY. A huge crowd gathered to celebrate the strike of the mid-night hour and welcome the new year. A friend had suggested me to go and watch NY in NY ... New Year in New York, saying that it's worth going there and be a part of the celebration at least once. And indeed, I could see the enthusiasm and excitement amongst the people who were there. Amidst those dazzling Neons, dancing lights and a singing orchestra, people just screamed at the mid-night hour wishing each other a happy new year. The sight was great.
My mind raced back in time, ever since I could recollect, about all the New Year Eve days in my life. I still remember how I used burst the one big cracker (bomb) right at the stroke of midnight, the green roped one, which I had saved from Diwali. This was way back in early 90s, until when I was in 6th Standard. We used to stay in a small colony in West Delhi, comprising mostly of Govt Employees. It was the time when most of the New Year Eve celebrations stayed within the family, watching the 3-4 hour long TV programmes telecast by Doordarshan. A little after 12 o clock, all neighbours used to come out and gather for a moment, wishing each other before going back to sleep. The crackers burst for about 30 mins before the whole place fell quiet for the rest of the night.
Things were different when we moved to Eastern part of Delhi in 1994. Suddenly we were amidst lots of families who came from the same state as ours, AP. Families used to get together at one house, on the new year's eve, watching TV / movies all night, eating, talking and playing. Aunties used to be busy preparing Tea and snacks. And we bacche log took responsibility of setting up stuff like carpets, blankets etc and also getting a VCR and cassettes for entertainment throughout the night. It was fun with enjoyment going till 4 AM in the morning.
And then, it was college time: especially the Boy's hostel part. I don't quite recall exactly how they all went by, but it was different each year. I never used to booze, but it was a grand day for all those interested in the spirit drink ! The party used to last well into the night. And I could clearly remember the Hostel Warden arriving the next day morning, not just to wish a Happy New Year, but giving a serious advice in return as well, on all the hampering boys did the previous night :)
Ever since College, it had been an occasion of mixed stature every year. I am not a partying guy and have like roommates. One year, it was a small get together of few friends at home while the rest were spent quietly at home.
I would say the time was great, in younger days until college. Things had changed after that. I personally am not inclined to the partying or any organized get together on a large scale. With friends scattered in the City, with the limited night life in Bangalore, I would say I miss spending time together with friends and family, watching TV, playing, movies etc. And may be burst a Diwali bomb at the stroke of mid-night .... BOOM !! to welcome the New Year
