Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 31 (ANI): As the clock struck midnight throughout numerous time zones this New Year’s Eve, folks and cities from completely different corners of the world ushered in 2026 with pleasure, celebrations, and even a solemn remembrance for the 12 months forward.
To start with, Australia’s iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as soon as once more dazzled with its world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks — a spectacle that drew lots of of spectators alongside the waterfront. Also, this 12 months’s celebration carried a deeper resonance, providing tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach mass capturing.
In the weeks main as much as the celebrations, Sydney was struck by a terror assault at Bondi Beach in the course of the Jewish competition of Hanukkah that claimed 15 lives. Authorities and neighborhood leaders labored to make sure that the midnight celebrations honoured each resilience and remembrance.
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Before the fireworks started, 1000’s observing the festivities fell silent for a minute, holding up their cell phone torches aloft as an emblem of unity and hope. Later, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit white with its pylons bearing a menorah (a candelabrum utilized in Jewish worship).
It is price noting that the celebrations had been held amid heightened safety throughout the town, with a big police presence to reassure the general public and foster a way of security as communities got here collectively. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered New Year messages urging braveness, compassion and unity within the wake of tragedy.
‘What Bondi additionally confirmed us was the very best of the Australian spirit in all its braveness and compassion,’ Albanese mentioned, as quoted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
An estimated crowd of 10,000 folks flocked to catch a glimpse of the world-famous fireworks.
On the opposite hand, New Zealand’s Auckland was additionally among the many first main cities to mark midnight with dazzling fireworks and cultural performances.
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Thousands of revellers gathered round New Zealand’s tallest construction, the Sky Tower, to observe a spectacular downtown gentle present as New Year celebrations started. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon additionally prolonged finest needs to the residents of his nation.
‘Happy New Year, New Zealand!,’ he posted on X.
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Singapore additionally lit up with vibrant lights, with a large crowd gathered for countdowns and cheers, because it embraced a surprising skyline present. Fireworks additionally adorned the Singapore skies because the nation got here collectively to have a good time the New Year 2026.
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In the meantime, visuals of New Year celebrations and fireworks have additionally surfaced from different components of the globe, together with Japan and South Korea.
As per CBS News, many components of Asia welcomed the brand new 12 months by observing age-old traditions, with temple bells ringing throughout Japan, the place many climbed mountains to observe the dawn. In South Korea’s capital, Seoul, a bell tolling was held on the Bosingak Pavilion.
Across Greece and Cyprus, quantity was turned down, changing conventional fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, gentle exhibits, and drone shows in capital cities.
In Italy, Pope Leo XIV was witnessed delivering his ultimate normal viewers of the 12 months in St. Peter’s Square. He additionally quoted the late Pope Francis as he seemed again upon the occasions of 2025.
Preparations stay underway to have a good time New Year throughout the United States, particularly within the wake of the New Year’s Day terror assault that passed off final 12 months, killing 14 folks. Heavy safety has been put in place for the celebrations, and the police can even implement extra anti-terrorism measures for the Times Square ball drop.
Coming to India’s New Year celebrations, main cities have been buzzing with preparations as 2026 approaches. Besides complete site visitors advisories, highway diversions, and different restrictions, theme-based events, festive countdowns, conventional gatherings and far more are anticipated to be held throughout the nation.
In the nationwide capital, folks collect on the iconic India Gate to hitch the festivities. Visuals from Indian states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh confirmed a big crowd gathered for the celebrations.
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This time, the New Year dawned first in Kiribati, the place midnight marked the beginning of 2026 on Kiritimati Island at 10:00 GMT. (ANI)