Revelers across the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa, and Europe have welcomed 2011 with celebrations and fireworks displays, and crowds are already gathering across the Americas to mark the start of the New Year there. The tiny Pacific island Kiribati was the first to ring in 2011. London hosted one of Europe's biggest celebrations, on the banks of Thames. Around a quarter of a million people gathered to watch fireworks as the famous Big Ben at Parliament chimed in the New Year. Closer at home, Connaught Place and India Gate in New Delhi were swarmed with people dancing to popular tunes. Markets had been particularly decorated for the occasion. Kerala greeted New Year in a grand manner. Tourists from across the globe joined the local people at the world famous Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram to welcome 2011 with dance and music. Tight security did not hamper the spirit of New Year celebrations in beaches, hotels and restaurants across Kerala. Mizoram ushered in 2011 in an eco-friendly manner as no fire cracker was lit during the celebrations last night. The State Government has launched a campaign against the use of fire crackers, which yielded good result. Music concerts were held in the capital Aizawl and at district headquarters. The Police said not a single arrest was made for violating ban on fire crackers. This was the most peaceful New Year celebration in Mizoram so far. Goa too ushered into the New Year with ringing of the church bells, spectacular fireworks, bursting of balloons and music and dances.Preparation for a grand celebration is underway in New York City, where organisers say a million people will crowd into Times Square for the annual drop of a huge, sparkling ball from high above. The Waterford Crystal ball weighs 5,400 kilograms. Earlier on the other side of the world, New Zealanders welcomed 2011 with a spectacular firework show in Auckland and celebrations elsewhere, while in Sydney, Australia, at least 1.5 million people gathered for the annual fireworks show on the Harbour Bridge. China's President Hu Jintao addressed his country on New Year's Eve, pledging peaceful international relations while pushing for a transformation of the country's export-driven economy.