Patnaites ignore chilly winds to enjoy first day of year

Alok Mishra

Patna: Chilly winds with clouds in the morning on Sunday did not dampen the spirits of the Patnaites, who turned up in large number at different picnic spots to celebrate the first day of 2017.

Though tired after celebrating the end of year 2016 late on December 31, 2016, the youth early on Sunday morning reached Patliputra Colony, Boring Canal Road, Rajapur pul, Macharhatta, Mussallahpur Bazaar Samiti and New Market area to purchase mutton and chicken. Some preferred to stay indoors while many others with their family members reached other side of river Ganga to welcome the New Year.

Still many others preferred to visit Mahavir Temple near Patna Junction. Many left for Patna City to see the celebrations at Takhat Sri Har Mandir Saheb Ji as the state government has made elaborate arrangements for Prakashotav. Many people visited Gandhi Maidan to participate in the ardas and also enjoyed delicacies at langar there.

The main attraction for most of the people was Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park where large number of people could be seen preparing dishes of their choice. The kids were engaged in seeing the animals while their mothers were engaged in gossip. The younger girls of the families were entrusted the job of cooking food. Those living in their apartments preferred to enjoy the day in their basements. The residents of Ram-Shyam Apartment in Nehru Nagar were seen preparing their meals in the basement with music blaring.

Though the youths were bubbling with enthusiasm, they cursed the state government for banning liquor in the state. “Agar daru milta to anand kutch aur hi hota,” said a youth near Alpana Market. Some of them were lucky enough as they managed to procure liquor though at a higher prices.

A youth, who did not wish to be quoted, said that he would enjoy with his friends at his house. Though he    supported prohibition, he opined that there should be some relaxation for  some occasions. Patna Police had made adequate arrangement for the occasion. A large number of cops were deputed at several places in the entire city for security  reasons.