Revellers shift to house parties, farmhouses to ring in 2025
Bhubaneswar: A growing number of city residents are opting for house parties and farmhouse retreats on New Year’s eve instead of the usual lavish celebrations at hotels, restaurants and pubs. Many said they prefer the relaxed vibe of being surrounded by family and close friends, free from the stress of deadlines and expensive food and drinks, as the perfect way to welcome 2025.
Smaranika Mishra, a homemaker, said, “New Year parties have become crowded and commercial. Parties in big hotels no longer care about people’s safety, where you find strangers, loud music and so much crowd. I would rather spend my New Year’s Eve with family and friends in a safe atmosphere, preferably amid nature, far from the madding crowd.”
Away from the hustle and bustle, several farmhouses on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Konark have become a first choice for revellers to organise family get-togethers.
“We booked the last weekend of Dec at a farmhouse where five families will spend quality time. The venue has a serene atmosphere with gardens and a bonfire, and children can go fishing, visit the sunset point, and have local and traditional food and farm-fresh vegetables. It will provide a much-needed break from city life,” said Pinky Patnaik, a govt employee.
The shift from hotels to farmhouses reflects a desire for meaningful connections and a more relaxed atmosphere as people prioritise spending time with loved ones. Apart from the calm and serene atmosphere, farmhouses offer cottages and double rooms for night stays, bonfires, games, fishing, music/karaoke and local and traditional cuisine. For one person, including three major meals and other facilities like a night stay, the cost is between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,500, while some farmhouses charge between Rs 9,000 and Rs 15,000 per day. There are around 50 such farmhouses available for rent for the year-end.
Owner of a farmhouse near Chandaka said, “Guests want a quieter New Year amid nature, in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the noise in hotels with extravagant shows. The pandemic taught people to value close-knit gatherings, and this trend seems to be continuing. We are fairly booked in Dec and Jan.”
Concern for the environment, ecology and taking a break from gadgets and technology is also bringing many to farmhouses. “I want my children and their friends to experience a rustic atmosphere, away from gadgets and technology. Parties generate so much waste. Family parties and farmhouses make them more responsible and personal.”
Smaranika Mishra, a homemaker, said, “New Year parties have become crowded and commercial. Parties in big hotels no longer care about people’s safety, where you find strangers, loud music and so much crowd. I would rather spend my New Year’s Eve with family and friends in a safe atmosphere, preferably amid nature, far from the madding crowd.”
Away from the hustle and bustle, several farmhouses on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Konark have become a first choice for revellers to organise family get-togethers.
“We booked the last weekend of Dec at a farmhouse where five families will spend quality time. The venue has a serene atmosphere with gardens and a bonfire, and children can go fishing, visit the sunset point, and have local and traditional food and farm-fresh vegetables. It will provide a much-needed break from city life,” said Pinky Patnaik, a govt employee.
The shift from hotels to farmhouses reflects a desire for meaningful connections and a more relaxed atmosphere as people prioritise spending time with loved ones. Apart from the calm and serene atmosphere, farmhouses offer cottages and double rooms for night stays, bonfires, games, fishing, music/karaoke and local and traditional cuisine. For one person, including three major meals and other facilities like a night stay, the cost is between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,500, while some farmhouses charge between Rs 9,000 and Rs 15,000 per day. There are around 50 such farmhouses available for rent for the year-end.
Owner of a farmhouse near Chandaka said, “Guests want a quieter New Year amid nature, in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the noise in hotels with extravagant shows. The pandemic taught people to value close-knit gatherings, and this trend seems to be continuing. We are fairly booked in Dec and Jan.”
Concern for the environment, ecology and taking a break from gadgets and technology is also bringing many to farmhouses. “I want my children and their friends to experience a rustic atmosphere, away from gadgets and technology. Parties generate so much waste. Family parties and farmhouses make them more responsible and personal.”
