The world welcomes 2026 with celebrations unfolding across time zones, from fireworks in the Pacific and Australia to quieter, tradition-led events in parts of Asia and Europe, alongside large public gatherings and heightened security in major global cities.
As midnight rolled across time zones, India’s celebrations unfolded as part of a global wave welcoming 2026, with countries marking the moment through spectacular fireworks, quiet ceremonies and age-old traditions rooted in local culture.
As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the skies as crowds gathered at major landmarks, ushering in the New Year with optimism and celebration.
In Delhi, iconic locations such as India Gate and Connaught Place saw heavy footfall, with revellers ringing in the year well past midnight. More than 680 police personnel were deployed, particularly in high-density zones like Connaught Place, to manage traffic and ensure public safety. Around 20,000 police personnel were deployed across the national capital as Delhi Police rolled out an intensified enforcement and surveillance plan to maintain law and order and curb New Year’s Eve violations such as drunk driving and motorcycle stunts.
Further south, Bengaluru buzzed with energy as crowds spilled onto Mahatma Gandhi Road and Brigade Road. Fireworks illuminated the night sky as people across Bengaluru welcomed New Year 2026 amid celebrations.
Revellers ushered in the New Year in Kashmir with special programmes at the famous tourist spots across the valley. Tourists and locals made a beeline to the tourist destinations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg to ring in 2026. According to officials, tourists from across the country visited these destinations to enjoy the recent snowfall and these destinations witnessed a heavy rush of visitors. The celebrations were also held near the historic Clock Tower at the Lal Chowk City centre.
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati became the first place on Earth to enter 2026, with celebrations beginning on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) due to its position near the International Date Line. Thousands of residents marked the occasion with community gatherings and traditional festivities as the clock struck midnight locally.
NEW ZEALAND WELCOMES 2026 WITH SKY TOWER FIREWORKS
New Zealand’s Auckland welcomed 2026 with a fireworks display launched from the Sky Tower, the country’s tallest structure, becoming the first major city to mark the new year despite wet weather in the city centre.
Countries across the South Pacific are the earliest to ring in the new year, with midnight in Auckland, home to about 1.7 million people, arriving 18 hours before celebrations begin in New York’s Times Square. The five-minute spectacle featured around 3,500 fireworks fired from multiple levels of the 240-metre (787-foot) Sky Tower. However, several smaller community events across New Zealand’s North Island were cancelled on Wednesday due to forecasts of rain and possible thunderstorms.
AUSTRALIA’S NEW YEAR UNDER SHADOW OF MASS SHOOTING
Australia’s east coast welcomed 2026 two hours after New Zealand, with Sydney pressing ahead with its New Year’s Eve celebrations amid heightened security following the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.
The festivities come weeks after two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring at least 40. The attack has cast a sombre shadow over celebrations in the country’s largest city. Thousands gathered along Sydney’s waterfront on Wednesday evening for the annual fireworks display centred on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, under a heavy police presence.
A minute of silence was observed for the Bondi Beach victims, and tribute imagery including a menorah was projected on the bridge pylons. For the first time at the event, many officers were seen openly carrying rapid-fire rifles.
ASIA EMBRACES TRADITIONS, QUIETER FESTIVITIES
Across East and Southeast Asia, celebrations varied by culture and local conditions. In Japan, many still observed traditional customs such as temple bell ringing to mark the new year. Seoul in South Korea featured countdowns and light displays around Bosingak Pavilion. Singapore also welcomed the fresh year with a grand display of fireworks.
In parts of Indonesia, including Jakarta and Bali, festivities were scaled back to reflect solidarity with communities affected by floods and landslides, with prayers and cultural shows replacing typical fireworks. Bangkok lights up the night sky with fireworks and dazzling displays as it welcomes the New Year. Here is a glimpse of the celebrations in the city often called the Venice of the East.
