Celebrations mark arrival of New Year across the world

The New year 2018 is being celebrated across the world today. People across metro cities in India thronged to landmark locations, malls and restaurants to celebrate the arrival of the New Year amid heavy security arrangements. Several historical landmarks were lit with bright coloured lights to mark the end of 2017 and to welcome 2018. 

In the National Capital Delhi, People thronged to landmark locations, malls and restaurants to celebrate New Year 2018 amid heavy security cover and fire concerns raised by recent Mumbai pub blaze. Areas like Connaught Place, India Gate and Hauz Khas Village were crowded with people till late in the night. Heavy security measures were deployed to ensure safety and security of women and curb drunken driving. Police personnel kept an eye on trouble mongers and anti-social elements. 

Delhi Traffic Police had curbed all traffic from Connaught Place after 8 PM and issued route deviations for several other parts of the city. 

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated New Year with ITBP officials and their family members at forward post at Matli, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. He also interacted with the children and posed for photographs with them. Mr Rajnath Singh will today visit Nelong Valley at a height of 11,700 feet where temperature dips to minus 15 degrees Celsius. 

President, Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted people on the occasion of New Year. In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind hoped that year 2018 will bring laughter, friendship and prosperity to all the families, to the country, and to the unique and beautiful planet. 

In a message, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called on people to collectively resolve to dedicate themselves towards building a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious society on the beginning of Year 2018.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, he prays that the year will bring joy, prosperity and good



health in everyone's lives.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani has also greeted people on New Year. In a tweet, Ms Irani hoped that the new year will bring endless joy and happiness to people. 

New Zealand became the first country in the world to usher in the new year. Tens of thousands of New Zealanders took to streets and beaches, as the new year dawned in this southern hemisphere nation, fireworks boomed and crackled above city centres and harbours.

Australia rang in the New Year with a spectacular display of rainbow-coloured fireworks cascading from Sydney Harbour Bridge, as partygoers marked the nation's legalisation of gay marriage amid tight security.

Hong Kong saw 2018 in spectacular style as the southern Chinese city staged a stunning fireworks display over its famous Victoria Harbour. 

In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, hundreds of couples attended a free mass wedding.Celebrations also held in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. A storm warning and drizzle failed to dampen spirits on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, where thousands gathered for a light show and a fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe. More than one lakh ticket-holders witnessed London's firework display from the banks of the River Thames.'

Major boulevards and squares were decked up to welcome the new year in Moscow, with fireworks lighting up 36 key sites .Dubai held its main midnight fireworks with a laser show on the world's tallest tower, the 828-metre Burj Khalifa.

In Africa, Cameroon President Paul Biya used the occasion to remind his citizens of their "duty" to "maintain republican order" as well as "social peace and national unity".The festivity will finally move to the Americas. 

New York's Times Square celebrations are set to go ahead despite the Arctic chill gripping much of the central and northeastern United States and Canada.