Fireworks In The Sky, Silence On The Roads: India Rings In 2022 Amid Omicron Scare
Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: Follow this page for all the LIVE updates from around the world and India on New Year's Eve, New Year 2022 celebrations.
With prohibitory orders in place in several states due to a rise in Covid-19 cases spurred by the Omicron variant, India ushered in the new year with muted celebrations as most streets wore a deserted look. There were no crowds at the iconic Gateway of India, a favourite spot of many Mumbaikars to bring in a new year, and Delhi's Connaught Place. More than 1,200 Omicron cases have been detected across 23 states and UTs so far, according to the Union health ministry data.
In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin wished citizens a happy near year ahead and hailed their solidarity and strength in the face of tough challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, reported ABC News. Putin said the nation faced "colossal challenges but has learned to live in those harsh conditions and solve difficult tasks thanks to our solidarity".
"We have continued to battle the dangerous pandemic that has engulfed all continents and isn't retreating yet. The treacherous disease has claimed tens of thousands of lives. I would like to express words of sincere support to all those who lost their dear ones," Putin said.
Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Parliament building, North Block, South Block were illuminated on the eve of New Year 2022. Have a look at some of the images.
South Africa -- the first country to report Omicron back in November -- lifted a curfew late on Thursday to allow festivities to go ahead. Health officials said that a dip in infections in the past week indicated the peak of the current wave had passed without a significant increase in deaths, AFP reported.
Online food delivery platform Zomato has said it has received over 2 million orders on New Year's eve. "2,000,000+ orders. 3 hours still to go. Grateful to be a part of your New Year celebration. Love you, India!" Zomato tweeted on Friday.
Shimla authorities evacuated tourists and local people gathered at the Ridge maidan on Friday evening amid fears of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Shimla Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi said thousands of people had gathered on the Ridge maidan on the eve of the new year. About the presence of a bomb disposal squad on the Ridge, Negi said the squad along with fire tenders were deployed as a precautionary measure, PTI reported.
A light and laser show at Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on eve of New Year thrilled residents on Friday evening. Earlier in the day, Mumbai Police banned people from going to any public places from 5 pm to 5 am till January 15. These include beaches, open grounds, gardens, sea faces, promenades, parks, or any other such public venues.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday extended his greetings to all fellow citizens for New Year 2022 and urged the people to resolve to usher in progress in society and country. "On the joyous occasion of the New Year 2022, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all our fellow countrymen, living in India and abroad," he said.
"May the new dawn of the New Year reinvigorate the spirit of peace, prosperity and fraternity in our lives. Let us resolve to bring in the new year with endeavour to usher in progress in our society and country," he said.
London's iconic Big Ben was tested ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations.
BSF jawans celebrate on the eve of NewYear in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. They were seen singing and dancing with fellow jawans to the song 'Bolo Ta Ra Ra' by Daler Mehndi.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal greeted people on the New Year Eve on Friday, urging them to stay indoors and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.
"Covid-19 cases are on the rise again in Delhi. Your government is taking all necessary steps to curb the spread. I am personally looking after the preparations and am very concerned about every resident," Kejriwal said in his New Year message.
"Please do not go out of the house unnecessarily, wear a mask, and get your vaccine doses on time," Kejriwal said and wished hope and happiness for the people of the country in 2022.
Australia rings in new year 2022 with spectacular fireworks at Sydney Harbour. The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has caused many firework displays to be cancelled in Australia, including one in Melbourne that would have involved more than 350 drones, The Guardian reported.
As the sun sets for the last time in the year 2021, here are some visuals from Puri in Odisha and Marine Drive in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Here is a video of the last sunset of the year 2021 from Delhi's Yamuna Bank. If you want to have a New Year's party today and plan to hang out or party with family and friends, you must remember these Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Delhi government. Night curfew is in force from 10 pm to 5 am; metro trains will run at 50 per cent capacity; malls will be open from 10 am to 8 pm.
As India gears up to welcome 2022, industrialist Anand Mahindra shared his favourite photo of the year.
New Zealand's Auckland becomes the first city to welcome New Year 2022. Fireworks lit up the night sky in Auckland.
Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal has greeted the world and her fans on New Year.
Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: India is witnessing a rise in omicron cases above marginal basis. As lessons from the second wave have not fainted, many states have introduced strict guidelines or prohibitory orders regarding gathering on New Year's Eve.
Mumbai Police has imposed sec 144 in the city disallowing any gathering of five or more people. No celebrations of any kind can be done in mass gatherings in indoor or outdoor venues.
Mumbai police ask people not to visit beaches, open grounds, sea faces, promenades, gardens, parks and similar public places between 5 pm to 5 am daily till January 15.
Night curfew guidelines have been issued in at least 10 states.
Background
Happy New Year 2022 LIVE Updates: With prohibitory orders in place in several states due to a rise in Covid-19 cases spurred by the Omicron variant, India ushered in the new year with muted celebrations as most streets wore a deserted look. There were no crowds at the iconic Gateway of India, a favourite spot of many Mumbaikars to bring in a new year, and Delhi's Connaught Place.
More than 1,200 Omicron cases have been detected across 23 states and UTs so far, according to the Union health ministry data.
Auckland became the first city to welcome the new year as fireworks lit up the night sky in the New Zealand city. Spectacular fireworks were also on display at Sydney Harbour in Australia. Follow this page for all the LIVE updates from around the world and India on New Year's Eve, New Year 2022 celebrations.
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