Hyderabad: The City of Pearls bid adieu to the 2023 and welcomed the New Year with a multitude of celebrations, as a laidback Sunday ambience gave way to a pulsating energy as the skies darkened.
The Hyderabad Metro extended its operating hours past the usual 11 pm deadline, accommodating the influx of revellers. Despite the extended service, the trains operated with surprisingly few passengers, showcasing a city that seemed to prefer alternative modes of transport for their celebrations.
Buses, till the last service, were full as people started off to their hometowns to celebrate the short break.
The city’s diverse populace came together at places of worship, with the faithful thronging churches for midnight ‘watch night services’ that commenced at 10 pm. Temples resonated with special prayers and pujas, symbolising a shared desire to embark on the New Year with divine blessings.
Despite the festive fervour, businesses braved the night to cater to last-minute celebrators.
Shops and cafes, some operating under police protection, remained open well into the late hours, witnessing a surge in customers purchasing party decorations and food until the eleventh hour. Liquor shops, in particular, experienced unprecedented demand, with patient customers waiting in queues snaking around the establishments.
A fitness organisation celebrated the transition into the New Year with a unique yoga session, emphasising a serene and holistic approach to life. Terraces transformed into a spectacle of lights and cheers, while some societies and apartments organised games and competitions in the night.
Hyderabad's nightlife took centre stage, with bars and pubs orchestrating special New Year shows, featuring DJs from around the globe, artistes from across the country and stand-up comedians taking to the New Year with laughter.
Clubs and restaurants across the city embraced the spirit of the night by offering enticing deals and packages to celebrate. the New Year, while resorts and hotel chains offered stay-cations and night-long festivities, making Hyderabad a prime destination for those seeking a memorable start to 2024.
