Images: As the decade winds down, the world awaits 2011

As the decade enters its final few hours, rediff.com looks at how the world is preparing to welcome 2011.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour during a pyrotechnic show three hours before the New Year December 31, 2010. The eight minute fireworks display was aimed at families with children who will not be awake for the traditional massive fireworks midnight display.

A man lights a firecracker called "Judas Belt" to celebrate New Year festivities in Baclaran town, Paranaque city, Manila.

Philippines' Department of Health said in a report released Tuesday it has launched an all-out war against the sale of fireworks due to injuries.

Since December 28, a total of 173 fireworks-related injuries have been reported, of which, 48 percent were caused by Judas Belt.

Women dressed in Christmas costumes embrace to keep warm before the start of a New Year parade in Bishkek.

Artisans make calendars with pictures depicting Hindu deities for the year 2011 ahead of the New Year at a workshop in Kolkata.

Gurung girls in traditional dresses dance to celebrate the New Year in Kathmandu.

Nepal's Gurung Community celebrated Lhosar 2067 on Thursday marking the end of the year of the Tiger and the beginning of the year of the Cat.

Lhosar means New Year in the Gurung language.

Lighting for the upcoming New Year is seen on Istiklal street, a major pedestrian street, in downtown Istanbul.

A woman holds an offering of fruits as shamans perform a ritual for good luck for the new year in Lima, Peru.

A man has his beard trimmed in the shape of number 2011 to welcome the New Year inside a barbershop in Ahmedabad.

A child looks at lucky charm gifts for New Year's Eve at a booth in Vienna.