Celebrations have taken place around the world to mark the end of 2008 and beginning of new year. From New York to Hong Kong and Bangalore to London, revelers greeted 2009 with pyrotechnic shows and street parties. Celebrations also happened in the Indian city of Mumbai, following November’s deadly attacks on the city. However extra tight security was there during the celebrations, with special measures in place along the city’s densely populated and important areas. President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the eve of New Year’s Day and asked them to strive towards building a strong, united, peaceful and prosperous India.

“As the New Year dawns, let us pledge to make the coming year, an year of peace, amity and happiness,” Patil said in her message.

“The dawn of the New Year is always welcomed with renewed hope, which can only be fulfilled by working together with resolve and dedication,” Ansari said.

“The beginning of the new year is the time to firm up our resolve to work for the development of our country and for the well being of our countrymen,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.