Auckland, New Zealand, welcomes the New Year 2022 with fireworks.

As it rang in the New Year 2022, New Zealand lighted up with fireworks in Auckland. Due to the spread of the Omicron virus across India and the rest of the world, various limitations have compelled people to stay at home on New Year's Eve. 

As we say our goodbyes to the previous year on Friday, the night will likely be lot quieter across the country, with state-by-state limitations kicking effect.

On Friday, New Zealand's Auckland became the first city to greet the New Year 2022, with traditional and much-anticipated fireworks lighting up the night sky. 

As soon as the clock strikes midnight on the last day of the year, many cities around the world begin their New Year celebrations with fireworks displays (December 31).

On Friday night, New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney began with a firework show above the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 

A record number of COVID-19 cases have been reported each day in several European countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States, while scientists in India fear the country is on the cusp of a third wave. 

The rise of COVID cases in India, owing to the highly transmissible Omicron strain, has dampened New Year celebrations. Many states have enacted severe limits or outright prohibitions regarding New Year's Eve gatherings.