New Year bash, the Anglo-Indian way

BANGALORE: Each community in India ushers in their new year celebrations on different dates through the year. The community that religiously celebrates the new year is the Anglo-Indian community. And they are organising a massive reunion on December 31 at Palace Grounds for a double celebration.Adding flavour to the celebrations is the community’s attempt to discover singing talent within the community and crown the best as the ‘Anglo Indian Icon’. Following auditions on December 28 and 29, seven finalists were selected to perform at their new year party and the winners will be declared on December 31, when the community comes together.In its second year, the reunion brings together members of the community and singing is something they love. “It is a nice feeling to meet people from your own community. I am looking forward to it and I am sure that the event will be a blast. This is the first time we are going to participate in the event, said F B Conway, a resident of Fraser Town. His daughter was auditioning for the Anglo Indian Icon. The event is attracting participants event from other cities including Chennai and Coimbatore. They say that the competition is not the reason they are here. It is in the spirit of the community to sing and party on a joyous occasion like new year. Shaskh, who works in a event management company, said: “I have come here to render my support to my community. I do not want to miss the good opportunity to reunite and bond with each other. This is a good way to usher in the new year.” While Tanya Fernandez from Chennai said, “I am happy I came here.” The organiser of the reunion, Brian Coter, consciously chose music to attract people. He said: “We expect over 1,800 people to participate in the event following the response to the event last year. I chose music as a key to attract the people of our community.”City Express spoke to the only Anglo Indian MLA in the Karnataka State Assembly, Derrick M B Fullinfaw, he said, “Any kind of reunion is always welcome. I had been to the venue on December 28 and I saw some auditions.” He however said that he celebrated Christmas by organising a party and was planning to end the year with a quiet dinner at home  with his family.