Bengaluru rings in 2026 with a night full of revelry

High streets were beehives of revellers, cheers echoed, and music rocked as Bengaluru welcomed the New Year amid citywide celebrations.

The Central Business District (CBD), Indiranagar, and Koramangala, bathed in a cascade of dazzling lights, saw throngs of revellers cheering with joy, chanting slogans, and dancing in the streets to welcome 2026. However, the celebrations were tightly regulated as the police enforced all pre-planned restrictions without compromise.

This year, Kalyan Nagar in east Bengaluru and Electronics City in southeast Bengaluru also saw people taking to the streets. The police used heat maps and deployed additional personnel at high-footfall locations. The use of loud horns was curbed completely this year, with vendors barred from selling them. Revellers in the CBD and Koramangala raised slogans, including RCB chants, and sang songs.

Interestingly, MG Road saw a lower turnout compared to previous years, while Koramangala saw excessive crowds, with people arriving as early as 7 pm, resulting in the complete blockage of 60 Feet Road and Ganapathi Temple Road. Police quickly barricaded several entry points in Koramangala to ensure safety. In contrast, CBD roads were kept open longer, unlike last year.

Ashwin, a reveller at Church Street, told The Hindu that he had come to the CBD to experience the New Year frenzy associated with M.G. Road. “The M.G. Road is deemed a party hotspot, and I wanted to experience the atmosphere. It is all about large gatherings and loud shouting, apart from enjoying pubs,” he said.

Different celebrations

In contrast to street celebrations, many residents chose quieter ways to welcome 2026. In Yelahanka, apartment residents organised late-night short cricket and badminton tournaments.

Suraj Simha, a resident of Yelahanka 4th Phase, said neighbourhood friends organised box cricket matches within their apartment complex. “We formed multiple teams, and even elderly residents participated, bringing people of all age groups together,” he said.

Krithi Iyer, a resident of Ejipura, attended a coffee session at a popular Jayanagar cafe where Kannada book readers discussed their favourite authors.

S. Kausik, a resident of Suddaguntepalya, said his group booked an apartment for a private celebration. “Instead of going out, eight of us booked a three-bedroom house, cooked together, watched movies, listened to music, and celebrated through the night,” he said.

Extensive security

A key highlight of this year’s bandobast was the extensive deployment of civil defence personnel, who were stationed at all entry and exit points, indulging frisking. Mini police lights were provided to enhance visibility.

Barricading around M.G. Road was systematically planned to allow smooth vehicle movement. Unlike previous years, vehicles were allowed to move through the CBD late into the night. To prevent crowding, pubs in the CBD were restricted from playing loud music. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Akshay Hakay Machhindra was seen reprimanding pub owners and bouncers on Brigade Road for violations.

Similar arrangements were in place in Koramangala and Indiranagar. Strict enforcement of floor strength limits was implemented, with officials citing the recent Goa fire tragedy. Each pub in Koramangala had four to five police officers deployed nearby.

Pratham, a resto-bar owner in Koramangala, said they have had good business since Christmas and also on New Year’s eve. Largely, the city welcomed the New Year incident-free.