Panaji: The midnight masses in the Churches and tourists thronging on the beaches marked the new year celebrations in the coastal state, which is known for its all-night-long parties.
Several hundred people had started arriving on various beaches of the state which is having 105-km-long coastline from Sunday evening onwards to the catch the glimpse of the last Sunset of the year 2023.
Goa police had increased their presence on the beaches and also the roads which are leading to the coastal belt.
The traffic jams were witnessed on busy Calangute-Baga road in North Goa from Sunday afternoon onwards as people reached the respective party venues in advance to avoid last minute rush.
As the countdown for the New Year began, people started thronging on the beaches, specially the shacks which are lined up along the coast.
As a tradition mid-night masses were held across all the Goa Churches as parishioners ushered in the New Year with the peeling of the bells.
At the stroke of midnight, firework was displayed at various beaches in the state where people were seen greeting each other.
The parties will continue till 2 am as state government has relaxed the timings to host the events for the New Year. The parties in Goa usually have to wind up by 10 pm.
