Though the wardens have not received any official notice to organise any event, hostellers say they will hold an informal party to usher in the New Year.

“I could not go home as I have to work on my dissertation. I will be celebrating the New Year’s Eve with my friends in the hostel. We have a dance party lined up for the evening,” said Kusum Solanky, a resident of Kasturba Hostel.

According to the hostellers, this is a practice that has been followed for a long time. “It has been almost five years since I have been living in a hostel. As it has become a home away from home for most of us, we celebrate special occasions like these with the same zest and fervour like we do at home,” said Anchal Chaudhary, a resident of Savitri Bai Hostel.

Wardens said holding such celebrations in hostels created a feeling of bonhomie among the residents.