Thousands gathered at Brigade Road in Bengaluru to celebrate the New Year. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
New Year 2023 Live Updates: India ushered in the new year with countdown celebrations and fireworks as thousands of revelers stepped out to celebrate the occasion after two years of Covid-19 disruptions. Across cities, the police have tightened security to keep a strict vigil on any kind of violation and ensure security during New Year celebrations. While Covid-19 continues to cause death and dismay, particularly in China, which is battling a nationwide surge in infections, countries had largely lifted quarantine requirements, restrictions for visitors and relentless testing that had limited travel and places people can go to.
The Pacific nation of Kiribati was the first country to greet the new year, with the clock ticking into 2023 one hour ahead of neighbours including New Zealand. In Auckland, large crowds gathered below the Sky Tower, where a 10-second countdown to midnight preceded fireworks. The celebrations in New Zealand’s largest city were well-received after COVID-19 forced them to be cancelled a year ago. More than 1 million crowded along along Sydney’s waterfront for a multi-million dollar celebration based around the themes of diversity and inclusion.
In Pics | World ushers in New Year with fireworks, light displays
On the last day of the year marked by the brutal war in Ukraine, many in the country returned to capital Kyiv to spend New Year’s Eve with their loved ones. As Russia attacks continue to target power supplies leaving millions without electricity, no big celebrations are expected and a curfew will be in place as the clock rings in the new year. But for most Ukrainians being together with their families is already a luxury.
With inputs from AP