Hundreds of people began gathering on Kamaraj Salai off the Marina even as early as 10 p.m. to ring in the new year yesterday, December 31.
It began to drizzle and then the rain was steady. But people continued to stream to this buzzing centre.
The roundabout was illuminated as is done every year and there was tight security of the police in this area.
Families joined in. Some groups carried cakes and snacks for the celebration.
There were loud cheers, screams and exchange of wishes as the clock struck twelve, and the rain continued.
An hour later, the crowd dispersed.
Police discouraged people from entering the Marina sands after 9 p.m. They were on patrol on the Loop Road and around this zone.
Security was also seen around the churches in San Thome where large numbers of people attended midnight services.
