The prominent clubs — the Golf Club, Chandigarh Press Club, CGA Range, Chandigarh Club, PCA Club and CITCO hotels, including Hotel Mountview, Shivalikview and Parkview — avoided the celebrations as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

In all other hotels, meanwhile, the picture was different with youngsters, children and the old hopping from one venue to another to make the most of the occasion.

“While we were expecting a lukewarm response owing to the terror attacks, it has been an amazing New Year’s Eve. The number of guests, who kept pouring in till 12.30, was much higher as compared to the last year. There was a huge waiting list,” said Ameet Bakshi of Copper Chimney restaurant in Sector 26.

The city’s youth, meanwhile, danced to thumping beats in Score and Voodoo, besides other discotheques. “The celebrations signified that life moves on. No matter what happens, we are a strong nation,” said Isha, a resident of Sector 15.

At Hotel Aroma in Sector 22, meanwhile, people kept walking in, although the usual decorative lights that added to the charm every year, were missing this time.