Bhubaneswar, Dec. 29: Cash crunch blues have failed to affect the celebratory mood of hundreds looking forward to ring in 2017 at parties and cultural bashes.

Event managers, however, have made a few adjustments to keep the parties going - they have opted to make them a less expensive affair and in some case introduced online booking systems to attract revellers.

Pradipta Mohapatra, general manager, sales and marketing, Mayfair Hotels, said: "Our New Year party will be rocking with sensational artistes to entertain the guests. Special dance floors have been set up where people can let their hair down. We have made special arrangements this year to ensure that demonetisaiton does not dampen party spirits and the response has been good."

A number of parties have been planned during the New Year weekend and some have even defied cash wash effect to hold big-budget bashes.

Bollywood actress Sunny Leone will be the attraction at an event to be hosted by FGF Studios at Janata Maidan on January 1. "All our tickets have to be booked online. Around 50-100 tickets are being booked on a daily basis," said Nandan Paramanik, one of the organisers.

In a bid to battle cash crunch, some event management firms have teamed up to be able to put up a good show.

"This year, sponsorships have shrunk and it will be difficult to arrange for the funds. However, a few of my friends are also event managers and three of us came together to ensure that we offer exciting entertainment options to revellers," said Raj Behera, an event planner.

They have invited stand-up comedians to entertain the crowd. They have also added lucky draws and interactive games to add fun to the celebrations.

Around 25 big-budget bashes have been lined up on New Year's Eve this year. Soumya Banerjee, founder of Club Knox Entertainment, said: "Adequate security and star attractions is the main criteria for New Year parties here. We are facing a cash crunch but that will not stop people from partying on New Year. Revellers will definitely find out alternate options and so will party planners to deal with demonetisation hassles."

Those reeling from cash crunch plan to usher in the New Year with close friends and acquaintances at their homes. A number of house parties have been arranged by various youth groups with many of them applying their DIY ideas to add a punch to their celebrations.

Lipsa Priyadarshini, an engineer by profession, has arranged for a party at her farmhouse in Chandaka area.

"I have created a Facebook invite for my guests and have also asked for ideas to make the event a fun fiesta using cost-effective methods. I usually spend New Year's Eve partying at a hotel. This time, although we cannot spend much, but, a party is a must," said Lipsa.

Some of the hotels and event managers who have been regularly hosting parties have successfully fought off demonetisation problems. But local clubs and small players in the field are facing the music. With people refusing to make big spends, neighbourhood festivities have taken a hit.

"People staying in apartments have opted for gatherings at their homes while many have decided to cook food at home and go for a drive to Puri or nearby areas," said Kiran Sethy, secretary of Friends Club in Nayapalli.

Local party organisers also pointed out that plastic money is of no use in certain areas such as paying the fuel for generators, the wages of daily labourers who set up the stages and the lights and amateur DJs.

"It is very difficult to arrange cash for making these payments. With shrinking sponsorships and lack of awareness on cashless transactions, it is difficult to manage expenses for the party," said Monalisa Padhi, a local party planner in Khandagiri.