mood: On a high! The New Year’s Eve party at Saturday Club rocked from the word go, with a diverse crowd that had one thing in common — the desire to party away the closing moments of 2008! The garden, lit up with strands of colourful lights, was packed with revellers. Guests started coming in from 8.30pm and by the time the music started, they were ready to groove. “We had approximately 1,500 guests. Most came in around 10-10.30pm and when we served breakfast at 4am there were still 70-80 people present,” said Rajen Sood, club president.

music: Model and emcee Jessica took charge at 9pm. After some soft numbers by the DJ, it was over to Crescendo, the dance group. Their perfectly choreographed moves enticed guests to take to the dance floor later. Dhwani, the music band, took over just after 10pm, with the right dose of English tracks, Bolly hits and folk numbers. Rivers of Babylon, Maa da ladla, Nagada, Saadher Lau — as long as it was peppy it was played. “I am a regular at the New Year’s Eve party at Saturday Club and I love the ambience. We love Dhwani,” smiled Jaya Paul, partying with her husband and friends. For those left wondering which way to groove on the dance floor, there was a big screen that showed videos of some of the songs being performed.

Just before the midnight moment, Dhwani stopped singing and the countdown began. At the stroke of 12, the lights went off, the confetti bell was pulled down and fireworks lit up the sky.

After 1.30am, DJ Jolly took over with his usual collection of dance numbers.

If the guests needed any encouragement to shake a leg (though they didn’t, really), there were prizes at hand. Ranjana Das Patnaik and Swapan Das Patnaik won the prize for the Best Dancing Couple. Dolly Singh, dressed in a stylish black outfit and hat, won the prize for the Best Dressed Female.

Fashion: Black was the chosen colour for the night, with red the second choice. Dresses ruled for the women, and the last night of 2008 not being a chilly one, skin was no problem! Very stylish, very hot. The men had little choice but to stick to suits.

Food: Roast Mutton, Mixed Grill, Pork Chops, Fish and Chips, a selection of kebabs, Makki Di Roti with Sarson Da Saag, chaats, phuchkas and rajkachoris and south Indian treats — it was a mixed platter at Saturday Club. A well-stocked bar kept tipplers happy. The breakfast menu consisted of aloo-puri, baked beans, bacon, sausages, eggs, tea and coffee.

Overheard: “Do you see all those people getting close on the dance floor — even all these old uncles and aunties! I wonder what’s making them flirt so outrageously?” a young guy was heard telling his guy friend. Curious indeed!