India gearing up to welcome 2016

Music, dance and celebration has brightened up the spirit of Thursday as people are trying to thank the passing year in a bid to welcome 2016 which promises to deliver more brighter days ahead.

In India, people will end an era where it witnessed the return of Arvind Kejriwal as the Delhi CM and the rise of Virat Kohli as the Test skipper of the nation among many others major events which kept buzzing across the year.

At the same time, world witnessed a major earthquake in Nepal, which was even felt in India, that killed huge numbers of people in the Himalayan nation.

Paris was shocked twice as the city was targeted by terrorists, making authorities heighten security across nations this time during the new year celebrations.

But tonight, people will forget all these issues and soak themselves in celebrating the last few hours of the year and hence welcome 2016 with hopes of seeing a better future ahead.

Revellers on this day indulge in several merry-making activities such as partying on the beaches of Brazil, the shores of Sydney harbor and the snowy streets of Las Vegas.

All major cities adorn the jewel of heavy lighting. Sydney Harbour of Australia once again ushered in the new year by beaming the sky with its famous fireworks that herald the worldwide celebrations.

New Zealand celebrates the start of 2015 in Auckland with a giant clock display on the Sky Tower and a fireworks show.

Australian spinning legend Shane Warne tweeted :"#HappyNewYear from all of us in Melbourne Australia, make 2016 the best yet !!!!"

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday greeted the nation on the eve of the New Year.

In a message the President said: "On the joyous occasion of New Year, I convey warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow countrymen in India and abroad. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year."

"May the New Year be an occasion to make a fresh beginning and renew our resolve for individual as well as collective growth. Let us inculcate in ourselves love, compassion, tolerance and work towards creating an inclusive society where peace and harmony prevails. This is the time to reinforce the civilizational values that bind together the complex diversity of modern-dayIndia and promote them among our people and the world," he said.

"Let us resolve to make the year 2016 - a year in which the people of our country work towards preserving the symbiotic relationship between man and nature. Let us strive to make our country clean and green and the environment pollution free," Mukherjee said.

Indian Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari on Thursday extended his warm greetings and best wishes to all the citizens on the advent of the New Year 2016.

In his message, the Vice President said, "I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to all our citizens on the advent of the New Year 2016. "

"On this joyous occasion, let us collectively resolve to dedicate ourselves towards building a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious society," he said.

"May the New Year bring peace and happiness in our lives,” Ansari added.

In Kolkata, there will be multiple parties and events all across the city, specially planned for the night to mark the occasion.

Like every year, the iconic Park Street in the heart of the city remains the most happening destination with people belonging to all ages visiting the beautifully decorated corners.

Discotheques and pubs are the most crowded spots for the party animals in the city.

Restaurants and food chains witness long queues outside as they prepare several special delicacies to bank on the festive spirit.