VIZHINJAM: Fireworks, neon lighting, and a frenzied crowd ecstatically welcomed 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram’s tourist hotspot, Kovalam. Most of the hotels hosted musical nights, which made hundreds of tourists shake a leg in the euphoria. Most crowds to celebrate the new year in Kovalam were foreigners and people from the northern part of India.

DJ parties, Chenda melam, Theyyam and other musical events left the crowd head over heels. Restaurants in Kovalam were also decorated with lights. Most of the celebrations were conducted by private agencies and groups. Lifeguards struggled to control the tourists. By 6.45 pm, people bathing in the sea were brought to shore. Police in Mufti were all over the place and were in constant vigilance. Amidst the revelry of the youngsters, the officials had a tough time controlling youths.

Ecstasy brewed up during the countdown to 12 am. Crowds echoed the countdown numbers and left the place shaking when the clock struck the magical number inviting 2025. Wild noises of fireworks amidst the cooing of Western music filled the place. Random people, total strangers, and every human over the place greeted each other with a ‘Happy New Year’ wish.

The city police commissioner's security warning was delivered to people through college students. They gave safety warnings through the mic in English and Malayalam. It was given in Hindi by the Home Guard.