PTI

New Delhi, Jan 1: Fireworks lit up the sky from Sydney to Hong Kong as the cities rang in 2006, kickstarting a night of celebration around the world as revellers bid farewell to a year scarred by violence and natural disasters.

Street parties and glittery displays marked the festivities across Asia and the Pacific, with Hong Kong boasting a light and sound show including fireworks set off from 20 buildings around its harbour.

In the Chinese capital Beijing, bells and drums were sounded 108 times at midnight (2130 IST) to mark an auspicious start to the year, signifying the elimination of worldly troubles in accordance with Buddhist tradition.

Authorities in Indonesia -- already on high alert for possible attacks by Islamic extremists during the New Year period -- fanned out in restive Central Sulawesi province after a bombing in a crowded market Saturday left eight dead.

The festive mood across much of the region contrasted with last year, when prayer vigils and fundraising events replaced jubilant blow-out bashes in the wake of the devastating December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Hundreds of thousands of Malaysians were gathering in Kuala Lumpur for New Years Eve celebrations, which will range from concerts to elaborate fireworks displays, although heavy evening rains threatened to spoil events.

In the Philippines, hospitals braced for a spate of casualties as revellers traditionally set off firecrackers and fire guns into the air at midnight. Two people died and more than 130 were injured in the run-up.

Not everyone was preparing to greet the New Year with mass parties -- police in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka raided university dormitories Saturday, detaining more than 100 people ahead of planned parties.