by Arwa Jawaid

Created on: October 12, 2010

The gradual seeping of Western culture has created an explosion of diverse celebrations in the city of Karachi. Now, in certain circles Halloween, prom and back-to-school is celebrated with the same fervor that they are in the West. New Years is also one such event that gets maximum attention from the media and those who just love the idea of a new beginning and of course, partying.

In Karachi, the New Year is welcomed by the lots of specials that air on the televisions. Special coverage of New Year celebrations in other countries is shown. When the clock strikes twelve, phone lines are jammed and SMSs are lost in the air as people wish their families and loved ones a Happy New Year. Text messages are a great way of spreading the cheer because many just like to hang out at home and catch the tele-specials. So there is a myriad of advice and best wishes for the coming year ahead.

In the elite classes of Karachi, there are some awesome parties which are the talk of well, only those who can attend them. There are dances and karaoke and the youth and adults set themselves up for an awesome time.

The city is lit up with lights and a drive down I.I Chundrigar Road is a lot of fun. It is the main commercial hub of Karachi and all the main building like the Habib Bank Plaza are moonlit to reflect their beauty in the night. The Quaid’s Mausoleum is also moonlit and to drive in the chilly Karachi is a treat.

On New Years, people treat themselves to dinner and all the outlets of Karachi are packed. Even the most smallest of eat out is brimming with people and the hustle and bustle of the waiters carrying trays of steaming food is a sight not to be missed. You have to be completely in the moment to thoroughly enjoy yourself.

Most children are out for the winter holidays so families can be seen in recreational spots like parks and bowling alleys taking a breather with their children and becoming a child themselves. The beach is a very popular hang-out spot  and those who love right by the sea can testify to the crowds that love dipping their toes in the water and catching the sea breeze.

New Years is not as exciting as the ball dropping in Times Square but in Karachi, it has its charms all the same.

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