DILEMMA, fear, and anxiety cast their big shadows on the mood as the city ushered in 2022 with scaled-back celebrations. For another year, Nagpur witnessed muted celebrations to welcome the New Year following strict restrictions put in place by the administration after the sudden spike in cases. Fireworks did light up some parts of the city’s skyline at the stroke of midnight as a few souls went ahead undeterred to welcome 2022. However, the dilemma of ‘to party or not to party’ forced the revellers to retreat into the confines of their homes as City Police threw a heavy security blanket across localities. Roads, hitherto exploding with screams of party-goers at midnight, wore a dark and gloomy costume as ‘Khaki’ took position to punish the rule-breakers.

 

With no permissions for New Year bashes, gatherings or even house parties, and with the fear of Omicron gripping the mind, Nagpurians opted for the safe route of welcoming 2022 in a somber manner with the near and dear ones at home. Anxiety and fear ruled the roost, making a direct impact on party plans for many. The year 2021 had wreaked havoc with many families during the deadly second wave. The pain of partition with close relatives was overwhelmingly instrumental in decisions to scale down celebrations. The current surge in cases also has a striking similarity with what happened in the middle of second year. Despite the rolling out of life-saving vaccines the virus breached immunity shields and filched many young lives in 2021.

 

To avoid a repeat of any such tragedy, Nagpur decided to cut down on frolic that lasts just for a few hours only to welcome a new number in calendar. It was a wise decision on part of Nagpurians to tone down the celebrations in light of the emerging health situation. Cases had shot to 90 just a day before the New Year eve making it clear that the virus is not going anywhere. Doctors have also announced that Omicron has entered the city and with the Delta variant spreading quickly there is no other weapon to tackle them than the trusted ‘SMS’ (Social distancing, Masks, Sanitising). Against this backdrop, the city entered the New Year on the wings of hope and a prayer. Adding the virtue of prudence to it is the only way ahead for Nagpur. It chose life over party on December 31 with a belief and resolve that the worst will not be allowed to replay its dirty dance.