India welcomed the New Year with new hopes and aspirations but in a subdued tone as the nation still reels under the shocking gang rape and death of the 23-year-old medical student. Popular hotels, clubs and eateries in the metropolitan cities that usually buzzed with party goers during this time of the year wore a deserted look as they cancelled celebrations on the New Year's Eve. President Pranab Mukherjee, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, Indian Army and other top institutions also cancelled their plans to celebrate New Year. Mostly bustling with shoppers, New Delhi's upscale Khan Market saw a scattered crowd during the day. However, restaurants toned down the festive spirit by avoiding special arrangements and decorations to mark the day.
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