By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 2: Khyndai Lad, the nerve centre of Shillong’s nightlife and tourism, turned into a cauldron of chaos on New Year’s Eve and the following day, leaving many visitors unimpressed.
The usual celebratory buzz of the area took on a dissonant note as groups of revelers commandeered the streets with loud music blaring from parked cars.
Tourists trying to soak in the charm of the city were greeted by a cacophony of honking vehicles, shouting crowds, and booming speakers. Just a few meters away, a police van stood idly, unmoved by the unruly behaviour.
The chaos was especially pronounced on the first day of the year. Youths gathered in groups near their vehicles, some dancing to deafening beats while others revved their engines, adding to the pandemonium. Passersby were visibly annoyed, many shaking their heads in disapproval as they tried to navigate the crowded street.
What baffled many was the apparent lack of intervention. While police were seen conducting checks early in the evening, the vigilance seemed to taper off as the night progressed. By the time the celebrations reached their peak, law enforcement appeared to have retreated, leaving the area to descend into an unregulated party zone.
The revelry at Khyndai Lad on New Year’s Eve paints a stark picture of what happens when celebrations are left unchecked. For a city that prides itself on hospitality and charm, the chaotic start to 2025 left a sour taste for many who had hoped to welcome the year in a more serene setting.
However, not all of Shillong welcomed 2025 in such chaos. For many citizens, the New Year began on a more peaceful and meaningful note, offering a sharp contrast to the unruliness that was witnessed at several parts of the city.
As the clock struck midnight, the siren rang from Secretariat Hills, announcing the New Year. Fireworks lit up the midnight sky as citizens ushered in 2025.
As the first rays of 2025 touched the hills, several families and groups of friends could be seen making their way to Nongjrong and Mawthei, two popular sunrise spots near Shillong.
Bundled in warm clothes, they braved the early morning chill to witness nature’s breathtaking spectacle – the first sunrise of the year.
Others chose to spend the evening with their loved ones at home, in quiet celebration. Families gathered around traditional meals, reminiscing about the year gone by and sharing hopes for the one ahead. For them, the New Year celebration was a moment of togetherness, free from the noise and frenzy of the city centre.
Meanwhile, many young Shillongites embraced the festive spirit by going out with friends, partying at local cafes and pubs that hosted New Year’s events. These gatherings, though lively, were largely contained and added to the celebratory vibe of the season without spilling into public spaces.
While the busiest commercial hub of the city plunged into chaos, others found joy in quieter, more personal moments or in nature’s embrace.
For a city that prides itself on hospitality and charm, the starkly contrasting ways in which 2025 was welcomed may be a reminder to strike a better balance between unbridled celebration and Shillong’s quiet and calm identity.