Patna not just welcomed the first day of 2016 with new calendars, cards and greetings on Facebook and WhatsApp, but also with picnics. People thronged the hangout spots, including manicured parks and the zoo. And, if New Year's Eve parties were about sizzling style statements, big money and hard liquor, the first day of the year was about wholesome togetherness. Piyush Kumar Tripathi sums up the mood on Day I of the year.
Hot hangouts
People were in a festive mood on the opening day of 2016. After exchanging wishes in the morning, it was time for the residents to finalise their outings for the first day of the year. Eco Park was the most favoured destination for revellers, while Patna zoo also registered heavy footfall. Those fond of sandbar fun headed for the Sabbalpur diara, while many others went to eateries and cinemas with friends and family.
Weather watch
The city ushered in the New Year with foggy weather. Mild fog engulfed the city in the small hours. Though it was not visible much on the ground level during the day, condensed moisture kept blocking the sun. Thankfully, the breeze was not bone-numbing, allowing people get out of bed and head to the New Year spots. "The fog in the upper level of atmosphere would keep the skies hazy over the weekend. The minimum temperature would be around 9°C, while the maximum would hover around 22-23°C," said an official at the Patna Meteorological Centre.
Picnic pals
From granddads to besties, from sons to fiancé, neighbour to office colleague, anyone game for fun and food was a picnic buddy on Friday. People preferred to take some fresh air in the open at the zoo and parks to kill the hangover from the New Year's Eve parties.
Selfie shots
Clicking selfies took the cake as people preened and posed for virtual immortality. Eating, listening to music and dancing away to glory came close second. Playing cricket and badminton were a joint third. At Eco Park, youngsters had most fun inside the underpass tunnel connecting the two flanks of the park as they kept howling and cheering in excitement for the new year. Groups of young girls were seen clicking photographs and playing antakshari.
Food faves
When it comes to grub, Patna is old school. So, puri or chapatti, sabzi or chicken or mutton and steamed rice or pulao were among the favourites. Panipuris, sweets, chips and soft drinks worked as appetisers in places they were available. City restaurants also offered mouth-watering delicacies for a delicious start to the year.
Music mantra
Music heard on headphones may do for every other day but a New Year picnic is meant for sharing your playlist. So, cellphones connected to small speakers were the top accessory of the day. Foot-tapping numbers like Gulabo from Shaandaar, Badshah's DJ Wale Babu, Dance Basanti from Ungli and G Phaad Ke from Happy Ending among others got people in the mood. Retro hits like Saat Samundar and Ho Jata Hai Kaise Pyaar or Bhojpuri chartbuster Lolliop Lage Lu... Patna played on.
Security shield
Static forces, comprising 200 male and female constables, were deployed across congested points in and around the city. Under every police station, patrol vans kept vigil. No untoward incident was reported till the filing of this report.
