Kochi: The Puthuvype beach, a hotspot for New Year celebrations, had surprise visitors on the night ringing in the New Year.
Nearly 100 senior citizens from various parts of the district assembled at the beach on Sunday night and released sky lanterns, cut cakes and waltzed to the tunes of Christmas carols and songs to celebrate the New Year.
“The sky lantern is a symbol of peace, good wishes, and safety. We wanted to live the moment and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It’s a memorable day in my life,” said a beaming Ouseph, an 84-year old inmate of St Thomas Destitute Home, Thevera.
The New Year party for senior citizens was a joint initiative by ‘Janamaithri Police, Kochi chapter of the Indian Medical Association and MAGICS, an NGO working for the cause of senior citizens.
As part of celebrations, the grandpas and grandmas released nearly 200 sky lanterns, ranging from simple hand-carried paper boxes to intricate designs with animal and plant shapes.
“There is a misconception that only youths can have such bashes. Occasions such as New Year are for celebrating and people of all age can take part.
“However, we used to conveniently forget about the elders often. They need the help of their children or grand children to go out and often have to confine to houses or shelters,” said Johns Augustine, Director, MAGICS.
Over 30 volunteers, mostly students of Rajagiri, Sacred Hearts and St Teresa’s Colleges, accompanied the senior citizens to help them out. Besides, the members of Puthyvype senior citizens’ club, the revelers included the inmates of St Thomas Destitute Home and Vadakkepattupurackkal Senior Citizens’ club.
