The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Revellers to usher in New Year with their fingers crossed

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Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Revellers to usher in New Year with their fingers crossed

Staff Reporter

The impact of the economic meltdown is quite visible

— Photo: Nagara Gopal

Tough times: A view of the huge artificial cruise ship F3 being prepared for the New Year celebrations near Medchal highway in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad: An air of uncertainty has gripped organisers of New Year parties this year. Though many have been going to town advertising about the events being lined up, they are all set to usher in 2009 with their fingers crossed.

The impact of the economic meltdown is quite visible in the way party planners are chalking out ‘reasonable’ ways to ring in the New Year with most pubs and hotels organising “in-house” parties.

“We are confining ourselves to an indoor party this year though there are lot many outdoor parties also happening. the sponsors are there but they have not invested huge sums like last year owing to recession and slump in IT and real estate sectors,” explains V. Surender, Manager (Operations), 10 Downing Street.

Interestingly, most parties for the New Year eve have limited couple entries ranging from 500 to 1,000 couples. “This is a marketing gimmick only to ensure there is a crowd at the event,” says an event organiser. Moreover, many party organisers point out the entry passes this year are cheaper offering value for money.

“We have scaled down the entry to 1,000 couples and entry passes priced at Rs.3, 500 per couple is inclusive of drinks and food, which is quite reasonable,” says Sanjay Batla from Bottles and Chimney’s, one of the organisers of the ‘One Party’, being held at Hotel Ista, Gachibowli.

The numbers of celebrities coming down to party too are very few compared to last year’s bashes. And events this year are seeing more of singers and musicians such as A.D. Boys, Leslie Lewis and DJ Suketu to name a few. “Most organisers are going in for in-house and international DJ’s so that the music element is high in every do,” informs D. Venu of ‘F Bar’.

Many hotels too have been tom-toming about special buffets, sumptuous spreads, live bands, besides giving away gifts. Not to mention the famous New Year’s Eve Ball and dinner at Secunderabad Club. Keeping up to its reputation of partying with the celebrities, the Country Club has invited film actors Poonam Bajwa and Kamna Jethmalani.

With the Government permitting liquor to be served till 1 a.m., parties organisers are hoping to keep the blues away.

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