JAY JOSHI
It’s that time of the year when celebrations are reaching at the epoch. The skies are alive with fireworks, and festive spirit is taking over the world. It is one of the most special days as calendars are changed and a new beginning dawns.
The beginning of New Year is no doubt, an exciting time, but how excited should we really be about it? We see around us, New Year’s Eve parties charging exorbitant entry fees, and people travelling to far off destinations to end the departing year on a dream note. While many believe ushering in a new year in a grand manner is the best thing to do, others question whether the amount of hype created around New Year’s Eve is justified.
“I think New Year parties are a little overrated.” says Nicole Remedios from Talegaon. “It’s becoming more commercial with every passing day. The celebration will be truly beautiful if we spend it with our family” says Nicole, calling for simpler celebrations. Myla Sequeira from Vasco agrees. “I ‘ve been to a New Year’s Eve dance just once, and I do think it is a bit hyped. The whole thing takes on the colour of a grand show.” Myla avers. “I feel that people go for these parties, not to actually enjoy the party, but to post pictures and videos and boast about that they have attended the event. A quiet family evening would be the best way to spend New Year’s Eve as it will give us the opportunity to calmly reflect on the passing year and plan for the coming year.”
Sagar Shet from Anjuna however, has a different opinion. “In my opinion, a party is needed on New Year’s Eve. It’s an occasion when we forgive ourselves for old mistakes and get ready to make new beginnings!” Sangeeta Abhyankar from Ponda, partly agrees to this view but says commercializations has taken over the occasion. “To be honest, it’s just a day like any other, but it’s a good occasion to have fun. I am not against having fun, but nowadays we see that people are more excited about these events and parties than marking new beginnings, and commercial establishments focus on promoting their events on this day because it’s just good business for everybody.” says Sangeeta. What is important on this day is that we mentally prepare for new beginning, and look forward to life with new enthusiasm, Sangeeta opines.
Amey Parab from Revora takes an entirely diverse view on this topic. “For me, New Year’s Day is just like any other day. It is not exactly Indian culture. Those who want to do it can do it. I would respect their opinion and freedom, but I will follow my own customs and culture.” says Amey.
At the end of the day, when a year ends and a new one begins, all of use make grand celebrations and great resolutions, but we should not wake up sleep-deprived, hung-over and unwilling to fulfill our resolutions when the first day of New Year dawns.
