Though the night was cold and foggy, the Capital welcomed 2018 with warm gusto as revellers thronged places such as Connaught Place and India Gate. Low visibility, dipped mercury, and chilly winds failed to deter the city's spirit as thousands of energetic residents rung in the new year in different parts of Delhi.

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As the clock struck 12, Connaught Place, in the heart of the national Capital, witnessed a magnificent fireworks show and a large crowd that had assembled in the area burst into loud cheers. Old and young, people could be seen making merry, greeting friends, family, and even strangers.

The market itself looked very much the part — well lit across the length and breadth to celebrate the new beginnings. Pallavi Jha, a media professional who was in CP with her family, said: "It is a very Delhi ritual to welcome the new year here. We came here to soak in the infectious energy."

A lot of people also visited the India Gate around midnight, even as Delhi Police tightened security around the area. Braving cold weather, some even brought in the New Year by having ice cream at India Gate — another a ritual of sorts. Ice cream sellers had a field day as they did brisk business till the early hours of Monday morning. Dinesh Kumar, an ice cream vendor, said: "My sale increased multiple times. Business had slowed down because of winters but I managed to sell my entire stock after midnight, when families visited India Gate to celebrate New Year."

Other popular markets, such as Hauz Khas Village, Aurobindo Marg, Khan Market, M- Block, Greater Kailash-I, and Rajouri Garden, too, teemed with activity till as late as 2 in the morning as party goers made merry. Restaurants that had planned special events for the night, too, claimed to have had good business. Packed to the capacity, almost all eating joints in these areas had long queues as people waited patiently to get reservation and celebrate the new beginnings.