There’s been a shift towards low-key celebrations from champagne popping, multiple-level dance floors and pulsating music. Younger generation is increasingly exploring the untapped “uncool” alternatives and defining their way of having fun.
An informed source in the hotel industry reveals quite a trend these days which may not go well with the hotel industry in the long run. “A lot of the younger people today are moving into eating clean and going easy on the booze. This implies a lot of them are moving away from alcohol and would rather have a good time without hard drinks. This means less revenue for hotels hoping to cash in on the year-end revelry.”
To keep the young generation happy, hotels are also going with the preferences for a more lounge style night with salad bars and live grill counters. “A large part of the younger generation is becoming more health conscious- they would rather start early and close it by midnight and not take it all night,” says Anand Nair of a popular resort in Mahabalipuram, adding anyway the hotel is sensitive to the fact there is a crocodile bank in the vicinity for which they would rather wind up by midnight and keep the decibel level low to ensure the crocodiles aren’t too agitated.
Expert food curator Rachna Kumar also hints at a divine yet fulfilling 31st night. “Throughout the year we have been drinking, partying, blaring out music- let the 31st night for us to come together and we will collectively chant soothing hymns and Tibetan chants. That will keep both the mind and the body fresh. And today we have a lot of musicians incorporating our shlokas and churning out fusion music which will sync with these occasions. You can also go for barbeque nights or even simple easy-going star watching on the beach along with hot air balloons going up the sky and sublime music playing in the background, to keep your 31st night happening yet very personal.” Yoga enthusiast Manju Agarwal asserts the night being the perfect occasion for self-reflection and not dancing away the whole night. “Parties are actually fading out. I would utilize this time for self-reflection- what I have done in the bygone year and what I am willing to do up next. Now all I can think of is achieving a leather and plastic free society by doing my bit.”Although winds of change are blowing, city hotels are gearing up to not let anybody down, as it’s a mixed lot. Hinting at a premium, easy evening for resident guests and select non-residents, Anand shares, “There will be a dance performance by local dance troop S community and a classic/ retro/ pop jamming session by band Ryan & co.” Monideep Jas, EAM of another plush hotel in T Nagar revelas how the hotel has plans on having a grand Mardi Gras on the last night of the year.
Beachside resorts are roping in Russian dancers and are also getting the local fisher community to take part in the grills section so as to keep the community involved. A hotel in the city centre is organising a pool party with a difference with a aqua yoga dance party and early morning reiki and mediation sessions the next morning.
