Kolkata welcomes 2019 with festivities and fireworks

Soaked in New Year frenzy, revellers made merry till the early hours of Tuesday on the streets of Kolkata, as fireworks lit up the sky after midnight to usher in 2019.

As the dusk gave way to the morning of the New Year, thousands thronged the city's popular destinations like Alipore Zoological Gardens, Victoria Memorial, Eco Park, M P Birla Planetarium and the Shibpur Botanical Garden.

Wishing the people on the occasion of New Year, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "A new year brings with it a new hope. Let 2019 be witness to many new beginnings for you and your families. I wish all your lives be filled with happiness, good health, peace and prosperity. Let this year be a landmark in the countrys history, too".

Police personnel, meanwhile, kept a tight vigil as around 450 arrests were made in the metropolis since Monday night to ensure there was no untoward incident.

While 267 persons were held for disorderly conduct, 182 were rounded up for drunken driving, a Kolkata Police official said.

Serpentine queues were seen in front of the Dakshineswar temple and Kashipur Udyanbati to witness the 'Kalpataru Utsav', celebrated every year on January 1.

Restaurants along the popular hangout Park Street area and elsewhere were overfilled, as people waited patiently outside decked-up eateries to wait for their turn.

Luxury hotels across the city also hosted New Year parties, offering a heady cocktail of dance, music, food and wine.