Mangaluru: The people in Mangaluru celebrated the New Year’s eve with a DJ, live music, band, dance and non stop entertainment programmes in hotels, pub and at Panambur beach till midnight.

In contrast, some ushered the New Year in the comfort of their homes with just close friends and family members.
The party lovers thronged the hotels and restaurants where New Year eve parties were organised. The luxury hotels were illuminated and organised series of programmes to attract revellers for the New Year. Along with domestic tourists, a few foreigners too joined the celebrations that lasted till midnight. A large number of people had gathered at Panambur beach where a live band was arranged as a part of Karavali Utsav celebrations.

The multi-cuisine spread in several hotels and restaurants lifted the spirit and took one on a grand gastronomic tour.
The music lovers were treated with Santoor jugalbandi by Bhajan Sapori, Abhaya Rusthum Sapori and team at Kadri Park and Sangeetha Saurabha’ by Kasturi and team at Karavali Utsav grounds. The Gotipua dance by Abhinna Sundar Gotipua Dance Parishat and Karavali Cartoon Fest too added colours on the celebrations.
Most of the revellers were youngsters who started took to the streets as soon as the sun set. The visibly excited revellers were seen clicking selfies along with their friends.

Almost all the churches in Mangaluru City had a thanksgiving mass at night to welcome the New Year. Mangalore Diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza and Udupi Diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo concelebrated the holy mass at Rosario Cathedral and at Mother of Sorrows Church respectively.

The police had intensified security to prevent untoward incidents during the celebrations. They had, however, banned entry into all beaches except Panambur, to celebrate the New Year.

The police had closed the roads leading to Thannirbavi, Ullal, Someshwara, Sasihithlu beaches. Also, the consumption of alcohol and smoking was strictly prohibited on Panambur beach too.

City Police Commissioner T R Suresh said that 650 police personnel and 120 home guards were deployed for security purpose. In addition, 6 KSRP platoons and 15 CAR platoons were deployed in the city jurisdiction.