(Anticlockwise from top) Performers at a New Year bash, shops wear a festive look, a file picture of dancers at the Kalakshetra. Picture on top by Biju Boro

Dec. 31: The final hours of 2003 rolled out into the New Year in a riot of celebrations — music, dance, fireworks, cheers, spirits and all — even as the city police were on their toes lest the revelry spin out of control.

The countdown to 2004 began soon after dusk set in. As the city plunged into the party mood, posh shopping outlets in Fancy Bazar were witness to last-minute shopping by the young and the young-at-heart for special New Year eve outfits.

In Paltan Bazar, Chandmari and Ganeshguri marketplaces, on the other hand, business was brisk as men and groups of youths shopped for bonfire picnics that was ubiquitous in several neighbourhoods. Music blared from speakers set up at different streetcorners by local youth clubs and other neighbourhood get-togethers.

Police kept a hawk’s eye on probable troublespots, which they had identified earlier, and maintained strict vigil.

Expanding on the security measures, Bibekananda Das, additional superintendent of police (city) said: “We have intensified patrolling, specially near those hotels and clubs which have organised New Year parties. Today being a ‘wet’ day, police stations were also alerted, specially the traffic branch, to keep an eye on any kind of rash driving by inebriated drivers.”

Clubs and hotels which organised DJ Nites, live band music, lucky draws, multi-cuisine spreads and other attractive programmes drew party animals like moths to a flame. Although most club and hotel programmes got into the spirited mood only late in the evening, revellers dressed in their party best could be seen trickling in after dusk.

Despite the cold, some among the young and the bold preferred to stay away from the “hot” dance parties and instead preferred to chill it out at the several restaurants across the city. “At most parties, entry is by invitation and for couples only. Others are expensive and beyond our means,” said Ratul Saikia, enjoying a meal with a dozen or so of his friends at a hip joint in the Zoo Road area.

The group were later planning to burst crackers and take a drive around town on their swanky motorcycles.

Several hotel conference halls also hosted private parties that ranged from dance to theme bashes. As the clock struck 12, New Year wishes, fireworks, SMS greetings, phone and mobile calls plied back and forth as the city warmed up to another new year. In fact, celebrations continued well past midnight since the food at most bashes were served till the wee hours.

Earlier in the day, a mass jogging programme was organised at the Dispur Parade Ground by the Assam Jogging Association to bid farewell to 2003 and welcome the New Year.