In Maharashtra, thousands of people in Mumbai gathered at beaches and thronged promenades such as Marine Drive from late last evening to ring in the New Year.
Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police (Suburbs) Sandit Bhajibhakre informed that no untoward incident was reported till midnight however, 198 people had been caught for drunk driving. He informed that over 40,000 police personnel were manning the streets of Mumbai and road blocks, called nakabandi in official parlance, were set up at over 100 locations to check traffic violations and drunk driving.
In Chennai, thousands of people gathered in the iconic Marina Beach and other prominent public places to welcome the New Year. About fifteen thousand police were deployed at key places in the city to ensure an incidents-free New Year celebrations.
The festivities concluded by 1 a.m. today as instructed by the police. In all, 368 vehicle checking squads were deployed to check drunken driving. Many All Terrain Vehicles were pressed into service to navigate through the beach sand and regulate the crowd.
As the clock struck 12 in the night, the chorus by the people “Happy New Year” reverberated the whole ambience in the Marina and St Elliot’s Beach. The public thronged the temples and churches for special worships during the New Year.
Meanwhile, New Year celebration events were held in various beaches and locations of Goa. Music and cultural programmes were held and tourists participated in these
programmes. Everyone greeted new year with joy and enthusiasm.
Mid-night masses were held in various churches.
The programmes continued since Christmas celebrations. Multi-layered surveillance and security system by Police was in place.
Dubai heralded the new year in style with dazzling display of fireworks at various locations including at the iconic Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world had a stunning display of light show and fireworks along with the dancing fountains.
Thousands of people had gathered near the building to watch the spectacle.
The spectacular fireworks at Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, Global Village, Festival city and Al Seef left the residents and tourists spellbound.
For the first time, fireworks were also held at the recently built Dubai Frame . Thousands gathered at the Zabeel park to see the fireworks which lasted more than five minutes.
Described as the biggest picture frame on the planet, the Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai.
An hour before midnight, mysterious streaks of light in tandem appeared cruising on the horizon of Dubai making its way near the Burj Khalifa, much to the amusement of the new year revelers.
The other Emirates of the Dubai also had their own display of fireworks at the stroke of midnight which was enjoyed by the people.