Kochi gears up for New Year celebrations with DJ parties & live music

Kochi: As Kochi prepares to welcome 2026, city's nightlife and entertainment circuit is gearing up to usher in the new year with DJ parties, live music and themed celebrations. Event organisers said that this year there is at least a 25% to 30% increase in the number of New Year's Eve events."There is a 30% increase in DJ events, with both domestic and foreign artists performing at the venues. The major reason is that Kochi is increasingly being viewed as a viable destination on the national entertainment circuits," said Akhil Antony, a Fort Kochi-based DJ. While couples between the age group of 25 to 35 years prefer DJ events, families opt for live music shows or themed celebrations. K T Rahim, district secretary of Ernakulam Hotel and Restaurant Association, said New Year celebrations are being hosted in more than 60% of hotels in the above three-star category. However, increased events have brought in competition too, and there are few who admit that the ticket sales are not as good as in previous years. "Business is slow, but we hope that the situation will change as the New Year approaches," said Rahim. Event curator Vysakh S Kumar said that despite the surge in New Year events in the city, sales are relatively lower this year compared to earlier editions, owing to the sharp increase in concerts and festivals being held across the country. "After recent international concerts in India, there is a perception among foreign artists that the country is a strong market. As a result, the number of events has gone up significantly nationwide, including in Kochi, leading to greater competition," Kumar said. Meanwhile, the excise department has stepped up surveillance ahead of the festivities to ensure that celebrations remain drug-free. Officers said an online meeting involving licensed hotel owners in the district was held to ensure compliance with norms during the holiday season. "Hotels have been instructed to provide details of all events being organised and inspections will be carried out to curb the use and circulation of narcotic substances," said a senior excise department officer, adding that establishments would be held responsible if narcotic substances are seized from customers during inspections. A coordination meeting involving central excise, Narcotics Control Bureau and police officers was also held earlier this week to finalise enforcement measures and ensure safe and orderly New Year celebrations.