Kolkata lines up celebrations to usher in the New Year

KOLKATA - Dancers from around the world gyrating to the choicest selections of the finest DJs, theme parties, vintage wine and lip-smacking food - Kolkata is all set to ring in 2011 with style.

The city’s five-star hotels and high-end clubs have lined up events ranging from poolside parties to buffet dinners, serving exotic champagne and premium whisky to usher in the New Year on a high note.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ too will come visiting on New Year eve and even though Johnny Depp wont be present, there will be many Captain Sparrows for sure. Swabhumi Heritage Plaza, a heritage park, promises quite a splash with its ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ themed party.

We have arranged a dinner by the poolside where premium brands of wine and champagne will be served, said an official of the Oberoi Grand Kolkata.

The Hyatt Regency hotel has organised a poolside dinner with a spread of sumptuous dishes to be served with Ayala, a premium champagne.

The ITC Sonar, Kolkata, has more to offer. It has arranged a DJ night and a New Year bash at the Dublin, its renowned disco.

Elaborating on their New Year event, an official of the Taj Bengal hotel told IANS: We will be having a gala dinner by the pool side where an eight-course menu will be served along with unlimited liquor. Our in-house band will be playing lively music to enthral the guests.”

But the biggest draw of the New Years Eve will be international belly dancers. A host of clubs in Kolkata will offer an opportunity to watch these dancers set the stage on fire.

We have got an exotic theme for the night, including some great food, fashion and music. Belly dancers from Ukraine will be there to entertain the guests. We promise you all will have a great time, said Subhra of the Afraa Restaurant & Lounge Bar.

The Nalban Boating Complex has hired an international DJ, with the organisers claiming it to be a first for the city.

Our event is unique as for the first time an international DJ will be performing in Kolkata. DJ Yahel from Israel is ranked 22nd in the world. We will also be providing special services like tattooing, hairstyling, spa and more. Flame throwers and jugglers will also be performing at the event,” said Archit of Vritaant Marketing, organisers of the event.

International band Bombay Rockers along with a group of Russian dancers will be performing at the Wet-O-Wild Beach Tropicana, housed in the popular amusement destination Nicco Park. There will also be a fashion parade, fireworks and a laser show, the organisers said.