Udaipur is a place where the Gujaratis, Rajasthanis, Mumbaikars, people from all over India and the globe come to celebrate new year eve. The city thrives on tourism and new year is a major event here.
The place I am staying is the heart of all partying. A small area of about 300m radius is full of hostels and hence full of party. Every hostel is hardly 10 meters away from each other and every hostel terrace is a party place with music played in high volume.
You can hear a mash up or mix up of so many songs here. It’s like 10 speakers playing different songs, all kept around your head. You cannot hear one but many songs and it’s up to you to decipher what you are hearing.
I am not a party animal. I am not fond of heavily crowded parties. I would rather tuck in a silent place and have a nice conversation with people or have a house party with a known set of people. However, here there is neither a silent place nor known people. Me being here is like a cat inside water.
It’s 11 degrees Celsius outside but it doesn’t feel cold with so many people making the place warm with their breath, body and farts. Looking at the various people I think how to categorise them. Here is an attempt.
Non stop dancers. These people have so much energy and they never stop dancing. They are in their own world enjoying the music and their dance.
Mad dancers. This is usually 2 or 3 men. They dance anywhere from streets to dance floors shouting, hugging, holding each other, singing loudly along with the song. Their dance doesn’t last long. It comes in spurts and goes away.
Group dancers. These are a small set of people (may be 4-7 people) who stand in a circle and dance. They dance as long as the group dances. Basic steps, looking at each other, shouting together when a popular song is played. One main dancer gives the cue of steps to others.
Wanna gel dancers. People who don’t know what to do but don’t want to stay away also. They stand outside the dance circle and move their hands and legs once in a while seeing what others are doing.
Non dancer. These are people who are in the dance floor but not dancing but sitting. They are happy with their drink or smoke and may even enjoy seeing others dance. But they have no intention to dance.
Cozy couples. These are young couples who have ventured out to celebrate but don’t want the crowd. They find a cozy corner and sit close to each other. They wouldn’t be here if they had a room for themselves.
Aimless strollers. These people just walk around. Not involved in any party but trying to see if they can fit in anywhere. They have no clue where to go and what to do, usually due to poor planning or lack of contacts or experience. High on FOMO.
New year waiters. These people have no interest in the party. They are just somehow whiling away time till 12:00 am cause they feel they are missing out if they don’t. At 12:00, they will mindlessly wish “Happy new year” to anyone and everyone they meet, choke mobile phone networks by calling friends and family.
Contended sleepers. These guys give no major importance to the new year. It’s another day for them. They have probably not partied at all today or finished a silent early party and they are tucked up in their bed sleeping.
I sit by the lake trying to find some peace amidst all this chaos. I have my noise cancellation earphones on with no music played in it merely to cut the noise outside. I must say, the earphones and the water provide some solace.
It’s a different experience for me for sure. Happy new year people!
Endless thoughts 