With muted celebrations in most parts and revelry in some, India welcomed the New Year with hope and prayers. While popular hangouts in big cities wore an unusual deserted look on the New Years eve due to Covid restrictions, thousands partied their way into 2021 in Goa and Kolkata. On Puri beach, devotees worshipped the first sunrise of 2021. Thousands sought blessings at Golden Temple in Amritsar on the first day. A special Ganga Aarti was performed at Assi Ghat in Varanasi on the occasion. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the first day of the new year on Friday and prayed for the spirit of hope and wellness to prevail.