Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar beats the drum during New Year celebrations. Telegraph picture

Patna, Jan. 1: If weather could tell you what turbulence is going to hit your life, there were enough indications in the early morning chill that a tragic news is about to arrive for the chief minister.

The weather, just for a while, did try to spoil the celebrations but supporters and followers of Nitish Kumar were not ready to give up so easy.

Thousands of people gathered at 1 Aney Marg to greet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the first morning of the new decade.

Drumbeats, bouquets, songs and dance outside the main gate warmed up the atmosphere and even Nitish could not stop himself from joining the celebrations.

He asked for a drum and beat it aloud as if declaring to the world that he is ready to take on the challenges of 2011.

But all this happened before the news of Nitish’s mother death arrived and then, in a few moments, everything fell silent. The mood of celebration turned into one of mourning. The festivities died and so did the noise.

Many supporters, who had queued up since morning with garlands in their hands, waiting to get a glimpse of their favourite leader, left the venue quietly.

Their wish though had been fulfilled in the morning when Nitish and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi came out to meet them and accept their flowers and warm wishes.

A few in the crowd touched Nitish’s feet while some others shook hands with him.

A group from Muzaffarpur performed a traditional “Bhuiya Baba” dance, as saxophones and drums played in the background.

Both Nitish and Modi played the drums.

Lalu Babu Gope, the man who gave his drum to Nitish, said: “I am very delighted today. Nitishji is beating my drum. I feel honoured. It is like a dream come true.”

Many people came all the way from Gaya, Bhagalpur, Vaishali, Katihar just to wish him well.Nitish too greeted the visitors and wished them a happy and prosperous new year.

“Bihar is no more referred to in a negative sense. It has made its own identification and 2011 will be a brighter year for the state.

The initiatives taken by the government to eliminate corruption is the new foundation of them all… This year people will see more schools on illegal property,” Nitish said.