India, world usher in 2023 with celebrations

All major cities in India rang in the New Year on Sunday with huge celebrations, the first time in two years due to Covid restrictions. 

Thousands in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata took to the streets to welcome 2023 with revelries. However, celebrations crossed the limits in many places like Bengaluru where cops were seen resorting to the use of force to manage crowds. A video posted by ANI showed officers resorting to the lathi-charge crowd after it allegedly went out of control. 

Hundreds also gathered in Connaught Place's Inner Circle in Delhi to celebrate the new year amid tight security. The security presence was heightened ahead of the celebrations with over 18,000 cops deployed across the city. 

While Mumbai saw people thronging the Marine Drive among other popular spots, the popular Siddhivinayak Temple also saw a huge crowd for the morning prayers. 

PM wishes India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to wish people a happy 2023. He tweeted: "Have a great 2023! May it be filled with hope, happiness and lots of success. May everyone be blessed with wonderful health."  

President Draupadi Murmu also wished people in India and abroad. "May the Year 2023 bring new inspirations, goals and achievements in our lives. Let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the unity, integrity and inclusive development of the nation," her tweet read.

World celebrates 2023

Revellers in major city centres across the Asia-Pacific region ushered in the first new year without COVID-19 restrictions.

In China, celebrations were held at the Great Wall in Beijing, while in Shanghai authorities said traffic will be stopped along the waterfront Bund to allow pedestrians to gather on New Year's Eve. Shanghai Disneyland will also hold a special fireworks show to welcome 2023.

Many Ukrainians returned to the capital Kyiv to spend New Year's Eve with their loved ones. As Russian 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.

More than 1 million crowded along Sydney's waterfront for a multi-million dollar celebration based around the themes of diversity and inclusion. More than 7,000 fireworks were launched from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a further 2,000 from the nearby Opera House.

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.

Meanwhile, authorities in military-ruled Myanmar announced a suspension of its normal four-hour curfew in the country's three biggest cities so residents can celebrate New Year's Eve. However, opponents of army rule are urging people to avoid public gatherings, claiming that security forces might stage a bombing or other attack and blame it on them.

(With inputs from PTI)