Partying in Goa set for crescendo on X'mas eve Panaji, Dec 25. (PTI): Lit-up beaches, chock-a-block pubs and discotheques and buzzing nightlife - the parties have begun in the land of carnivals with revelry set to hit a crescendo during Christmas in the Coastal State of Goa. The festivities will continue till December 31 night, when party-goers will usher in the New Year, rubbing shoulders with a multitude of celebrities and top corporate honchos, all here to be part of the merry-making.
Conservative estimates put the number of tourists in Goa at around a lakh at any given time this week. Hotels have already stopping accepting bookings. Streets are jammed with vehicles, stretching Goa's small traffic police force that has its hands full managing highways and the city's main and smaller roads. The Government has relaxed its ban on playing loud music on certain days, including Christmas and New Year. "This year we will be known as the biggest party zone in India. What makes our parties more happening is that they are held right on the beach," said Abhishek Nath, president of La Calypso Hotel located on north Goa's Baga beach. La Calypso boasts of an ensemble of DJs like Aqueel, Ivon, Akbar Sami, Nikhil Chinnappa, Pearl, Piyush, Megha, Boom Baba, Clement, Jalebi Cartel and Vicky Divine from Britain. The most happening places are the beaches - something the State is globally known for - along Goa's 105-km coastline, several stretches of which have been lit up. Five star hotels have decked up their lobbies and lounges with Christmas paraphernalia like Santa Claus busts and Christmas trees to add to the festive spirit. However, all the revelry is under the watchful and yet non-intrusive eyes of the police. "We are keeping a watch on these spots to avert a Bali -like situation," a senior police official said. Though security concerns have been much talked about in the State in the past few weeks in the wake of an advisory about possible terror attacks issued by the Israeli Government, Goa Police denied there was any specific threat. But their concern is evident in the strict checking at discos and heavy security presence at places like the Santa Monica jetty and Bom Jesus Basilica church. Revelers are, however, unmindful of these concerns. Nightlife is in full swing with discotheques and pubs turning into hot spots for tourists and locals alike. Activity at Goa's lone Dabolim airport has also increased with the Airports Authority of India imposing a ban on visitors entering the terminal. "We have done it with two things in mind. There is a security concern and we don't want to pose inconvenience to passengers," said Paul Manickam, the airport's director. The area in and around the airport is heavily guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel backed by the State police. http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200612250323.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino
