Kolkata lines up champagne, belly dancers for New Year’s Eve bashes

KOLKATA - Kolkata is all set to usher in 2010 with free flow of champagne, Mexican theme parties, belly dancers from Europe and the Middle East, and mouth-watering Indian and Spanish food.

Most of the five star hotels of the city have planned grand year-end bashes Thursday ranging from poolside parties to buffet dinners, champagne to premium Scotch whiskey, besides lining up leading DJs and crooners.

“We have arranged a dinner party and a poolside party where best wines and champagne will be served,” said an official of The Oberoi Grand here.

But the passport to ring in the New Year in the exclusivity of leading hotels comes at a high price. At Oberoi Grand, the charge per couple is Rs.14,000.

ITC Sonar Bangla hotel has arranged a DJ night and a New Year’s Eve bash at Dublin, its renowned discotheque.

“There will be a DJ night at Dublin where DJ Harry will play new tracks. A poolside dinner party has also been arranged,” said an official of the five star hotel.

But the biggest draw of the New Year’s Eve may be the belly dancers from the Middle East and Russia. Most of the high-society clubs are hosting belly dance shows.

Afraa, a restaurant-cum-lounge bar, has organised a Mexican theme party, complete with its culinary delicacies. Ukrainian dancers have also been hired to keep things hot on the dance floor.

“We have got an exotic theme for the night, including some great food, fashion and music,” said an Afraa official.

While most of the clubs do not allow children below 21 years, the Calcutta Rowing Club has decided to throw the door open for members’ children to welcome the new year with fun and music besides a sumptuous spread of Indian and continental favourites.