Mysuru: New Year revellers at the Mysore Palace felt like they were in a fairy-land as fireworks lit up the midnight sky at the Palace.

Crowds cheered “Happy New Year” at the stroke of midnight and they were awestruck by the 20-minute fireworks display. What made this fireworks display special was that it was sound-less, so people could watch it without closing their ears.

It was well worth as people  had been waiting at the Palace premises since 8 pm to watch the fireworks display.

More than 20,000 people witnessed the fireworks display at the Mysore Palace and it recorded a ticket entry of over 25,000 people. A colourful light-filled atmosphere prevailed at the Palace Flower Show that was open till 12.30 am.

The Palace was illuminated from 7 pm to 8.30 pm and again from 12 midnight to 12.30 am. The famed Karnataka and English Police Band performed for over 50 minutes from 11 pm.

While intimate setting is one thing, for some people, especially women, it is also about safety. The City Police had beefed up security and special units for women and children were formed to ensure their safety.

The Police had issued warnings to hotels, bars, clubs, resorts and restaurants, to close the celebration by 1 am but since everything was going smoothly some parties went on till 2 am.

Meanwhile, the Police had restricted entry of vehicles atop the Chamundi Hill from 9 pm     onwards.

Hotels and clubs including Radisson Blu Plaza, Rio Meridian, Royal Orchid Brindavan, Southern Star, Silent Shores, Golden Landmark, Lobos Courtyard, Hotel Pai Vista, Windflower Resort, Country Inn and Suites, Atrium, Fortune JP Palace, Grand Mercure, Cosmopolitan Club, Golf Club and The Quorum had organised lavish parties to entertain their patrons on the New Year Eve.