Manali, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Jan 1 : The New Year eve was celebrated in high spirits all across the country on Thursday.

Tourists celebrated the coming of the New Year at Manali, in Himachal Pradesh.

Scores of tourists attended the event, organised by the state''s tourism department. They also enjoyed traditional delicacies, along with folk and cultural programmes.

Manali has been a favoured tourist destination for years.

"Given a chance, I would like to visit the place next year and celebrate the New Year," said Manjit, a tourist.

Bangalore, the IT capital of India also rang in the New Year despite heavy security.

The entire city was colourfully decorated, and markets and streets were lit with sparkling lights.

In Secunderabad city, the Christian community offered prayers for peace and prosperity in the New Year.

"I take this opportunity to wish everybody a happy and prosperous and bright new year. We see that 2009 has given lot of difficulties and problems but we don''t foresee the same. We wish that everyone has a bright future," George Victor, a devotee, said. (ANI)