As Kolkata welcomed the arrival of 2025, an unexpected guest—a sharp cold spell—forced a major rethink of celebration plans across the city. Residents who had eagerly planned open-air festivities on terraces and in community spaces found themselves scrambling to move the merriment indoors to shield children and elderly family members from the biting chill.
Plans Reassessed as Mercury Plummets
The dip in temperature led to a city-wide shift in strategy. Many housing societies and individual families had originally organised parties in open spaces or on rooftops. However, as the evening of December 31st approached, the cold breeze became a decisive factor. Quick trips to local markets became common, with people stocking up on woollen caps, earmuffs, room heaters, and ingredients for warm beverages to combat the cold.
Ronojoy Ghosh, a resident of Eastern High in New Town, shared a typical experience. He had planned a family barbecue on his terrace with his in-laws. "We were looking forward to an outdoor barbecue with the entire family," Ghosh said. "But once we felt how cold it was, we knew it wouldn't be comfortable, especially for the kids and elderly." The family moved the party to their living room, swapping a charcoal oven for a microwave. Ghosh admitted the indoor gathering turned out cosier and more fun than anticipated.
Community Events Follow Suit
The trend was mirrored in larger residential complexes. Several societies had arranged live DJ performances in open-air areas, hoping to dance under the stars. However, these plans were also relocated to community halls as the cold persisted.
Deepti Saraogi, the event manager for a musical night at Mangalam Apartment in Kankurgachhi, explained the last-minute change. "Many residents conveyed that it would be difficult for them to fully enjoy the outdoor programme since it was very cold," Saraogi stated. The decision to move everything into the community hall was made on Wednesday afternoon. Fortunately, the space accommodated the crowd, allowing the celebratory spirit to remain undimmed.
Adapting Celebrations for Warmth and Comfort
Families and party hosts got creative to ensure guests stayed warm and entertained. Special arrangements became the norm, focusing on heat and indoor activities:
- Setting up bonfires and multiple room heaters.
- Serving an array of warm beverages alongside starters.
- Keeping board games and karaoke sets ready for indoor fun.
Radhika Sukhani, who attended a party at South City housing complex, highlighted the central role of heating. "It is so cold at night that it is chilly even indoors," she observed. "The room heater was the biggest attraction at the party, with people hovering around it to keep themselves warm."
Ultimately, while the weather dictated a change of venue, it failed to dampen the festive spirit. Kolkata's residents demonstrated remarkable adaptability, proving that warmth, family, and good cheer could seamlessly transition from the rooftop to the living room to ring in the New Year.
