Odishatv Bureau
Chennai: New Year 2012 was welcomed with much fervour and anticipation here and elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, with people bidding adieu to an eventful 2011. Party animals had a field day with hotels and other joints arranging special celebrations to welcome the New Year even as scores of young persons turned up at the Marina Beach, the hotspot of Chennai, to celebrate the birth of 2012.

Balloons and festoons coupled with joyous shrieks of "Wish You A Happy New Year," echoed all over Chennai, which has now shed its `conservative city` image, with young men and women exchanging pleasantries. However, the celebrations came in with a bit of a dampner as city police enforced strict `no-no` on partying and celebrations.

The men in khaki had made it clear that license violations regarding celebrations in hotels and causing inconvenience to others in the name of celebrations among others would be dealt with seriously. They had especially warned that eve-teasing would not be taken lightly.

A large posse of policemen were posted at Marina and other places even as tipplers enjoyed a pint to herald the New Year. Friends were seen enquiring about each others` New Year resolutions, with some replies eliciting instant laughter and giggles.

2011 had been an eventful year for the state with a change of guard in the saddle of power. AIADMK had trounced its arch rival DMK to unseat the Karunanidhi-led government.

Leaders, including Governor K Rosaiah, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, DMK president Karunanidhi among others had extended their greetings to the people of the state, wishing them all success and a prosperous 2012.

Some temples and churches in the city were open for special midnight prayers and masses.

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