Parties, fireworks mark New Year celebrations in Goa

Panaji: Thousands of people rang in the New Year at beaches in Goa as year 2018 faded into night and celebrations continued till early morning of Tuesday.

At the stroke of 12 midnight on December 31, the Goa shoreline illuminated with fireworks with several thousand people in attendance, most of them tourists.

The famous beach destination is known for New Year revelry and night-long parties that typically begin on December 30 night and continue till New Year Day.

The coastal state has been witnessing a huge inflow of tourists after Christmas. On December 31 night, the roads leading to beaches were chock-a-block with people.

A large number of police personnel were deployed to ensure smooth flow of traffic and to prevent any untoward incident.

Goa DGP Muktesh Chandar had issued special orders asking all the police stations to carry out stringent checks against drunk driving.

While revellers broke into jig and cries of “Happy New Year” filled the air, local Christians were seen attending midnight prayers in churches to welcome the New Year. Meanwhile, state Governor Mridula Sinha has greeted people on the occasion of New Year.

“As we are stepping into yet another year of our lives, we welcome the New Year with great hopes and new expectations. The whole world solemnises New Year with great enthusiasm and energy,” she stated in a message Tuesday.

“New Year eve is a joyous occasion, when we refresh our thoughts and prepare for new achievements. More importantly, it is an occasion for us to renew our commitment to live together in harmony and unity,” she stated.

The governor also appealed people to take a vow to show respect to each other and to develop greater understanding in the interest of social solidarity.