People around the world are celebrating the first day of the year 2017. Pacific islands including Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati were the first to enter 2017 followed by Auckland in New Zealand. Australia's biggest city Sydney kicked off the party with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up its iconic harbour.<br/>'<br/>Dubai marked the new year with its usual gigantic pyrotechnics off the world's highest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, as well as other landmarks.<br/>'<br/>People in various parts of India such as Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities welcomed the New Year with enthusiasm. While some people burst firecrackers to welcome the new year, many people thronged markets and malls.<br/>'<br/>President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the nation on the occasion.