Billions around the world cheered in 2020 after a tumultuous year dominated by demonstrations calling for political revolt and action on climate change.

Smoke-choked Sydney ushered in the New Year with an enormous pyrotechnics display. But celebrations were overshadowed by calls to cancel fireworks as bushfires raged across the country.

After more than six months of near-daily demonstrations, Hong Kong ushered in 2020 with tear gas and water cannon. Pro-democracy protesters took their movement into the new year with midnight countdown rallies and a massive march planned for today.

As US-Iran tensions rose again in the Middle East, fireworks exploded in Dubai around the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

In Paris, France, people gathered on the Champs-Elysees, despite a grueling transport strike. In the British capital, London, revellers watched fireworks fired from the London Eye for the last new year before Brexit. Big Ben rang out 12 times after the bell had fallen mostly silent in 2019 because of renovation.

Chile saw thousands of demonstrators gather at Santiago’s Plaza Italia to celebrate a “New Year with Dignity”. The Plaza has been the epicenter of protests against President Sebastian Pinera’s government since October.

Meanwhile, Lakhs of Mumbaikars welcomed the New Year with peaceful celebrations. Night-long parties at Hotels and restaurants across the city reported below-average crowd this time as most people celebrated in the comfort of their home.

Still, many enthusiasts thronged popular spots like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty, Bandstand and Juhu beach all illuminated with colourful lighting theme to welcome 2020. New Year midnight mass at Holy Name Cathedral, Colaba, was led by Cardinal Gracias, archbishop of Bombay.

A light show was held at Bandra Reclamation where people gathered in large numbers, resulted in a massive traffic jam late in the night.

At least 40,000 police personnel along with officials of the police’s Special Branch, riot-control police, Quick Response Teams, Crime Branch and traffic police were deployed across the city. Police bandobast remained high along beachfront securing separate enclosures for stags, families and women. CCTVs, watchtowers and extra security personnel formed the backbone of arrangements.

People from Mumbai also travelled to Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station located about 260 km from Mumbai, and Panvel, on the city’s outskirts, to usher in the New Year.

Police official informed that some cases of drunk driving, riding two-wheelers without wearing helmet, rash and negligent driving and getting into no-entry zones were reported in the city.

However, according to city traffic police less crowds were witnessed on city streets and other public places compared to last year. The Central Railway and Western Railway and BEST also operated extra services on the suburban network late night.

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 incident-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.

Nagaland along with the rest of the world welcomed the New Year 2020 with prayers and thanksgiving.

In this Christian dominated state, Special New Year services are being organised today in churches to invoke the blessings of the Almighty for a prosperous year and also to offer thanksgiving prayers for the year just passed.

People are seen moving around in jubilation conveying New Year wishes to each other. The day is also celebrated with fun activities as families and friends spend time with their loved ones by organizing picnics in different locations.

With the strike of midnight bells last night, the skies lit with firelights and Special midnight services were held in several churches across the state.

Dubai heralded the new year in style with a 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 revellers.

The other Emirates of Dubai also had their own display of fireworks at the stroke of midnight which was enjoyed by the people.

President, Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted citizens on the occasion of New Year 2020.

In a message, President Ram Nath Kovind said, the dawn of New Year and the new decade is an occasion to commit ourselves to the making of a society that is peaceful, caring and compassionate. He said, it is also an apt occasion to renew the commitment towards a stronger and more prosperous India.

The President hoped that the New Year will bring joy and prosperity in people’s lives.

In his message, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called on people to resolve to be kinder, more compassionate and considerate human beings. He called on people to pray for the happiness, wellbeing and prosperity of the entire world.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped that this year will be filled with joy and prosperity. He also hoped that everyone will be healthy and everyone’s aspirations will be fulfilled.

Sharing his thoughts in the Mann Ki Baat Programme of All India Radio on Sunday, Mr Modi had extended New year greetings and said that coming decade will witness the active contribution of the youth born in the 21st century.