A New Year Lesson from the Hills of Aizawl
As the New Year approaches, we stand once again at that familiar dawn—ready to leave behind what weighed us down and eager to begin afresh.
Happy New Year 2026: Kiribati — a small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean — became the first country to enter 2026, due to its time zone being officially ahead. New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Tokelau — a dependent territory of New Zealand — were also among the first places in the world to welcome 2026. As the clock struck midnight, dazzling fireworks lit up the skies over Auckland, with crowds gathering to ring in the New Year.
Australia, Japan, and South Korea ring in the new year
Advertisement
Australia welcomed the new year with a stunning fireworks show over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Thousands of revellers had gathered around the Sydney Harbour to celebrate the New Year. The people also observed a minute of silence to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Japan, South Korea, and North Korea also stepped into 2026 with traditional bell-ringing ceremonies.
Advertisement
#WATCH | Australia celebrates the beginning of #NewYear2026 with dazzling fireworks in Sydney
(Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation and City of Sydney) pic.x.com/NBAbI0Xczl
— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025
New Zealand welcomes the new year 2026
Fireworks lit up the sky over Auckland as New Zealand welcomed the New Year 2026 with a spectacular celebration. Huge crowds gathered around New Zealand’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower, to watch the light and fireworks show to celebrate the new year. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also extended greetings to the citizens of his country.”Happy New Year, New Zealand!,” he posted on X.
#WATCH | New Zealand’s Auckland welcomes the #NewYear2026 with fireworks.
(Source: TVNZ via Reuters) pic.x.com/vybFTrAjeR
— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025
New Year 2026 sand art at Puri beach
On New Year’s Eve, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand art at Puri beach today.
#WATCH | Puri, Odisha: On the New Year’s eve, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand art at Puri beach today. pic.x.com/TuUxGVW402
— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu’s New Year Greetings
President Droupadi Murmu sent greetings to all fellow citizens of India on the eve of the New Year 2026. In a message, the President said, “On the joyous occasion of New Year, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians in the country and abroad.”
“The New Year symbolises renewed energy and positive change. It is also an opportunity for self-reflection and fresh resolutions. On this occasion, let us further strengthen our commitment to the nation’s development, social harmony, and environmental protection. May the year 2026 bring peace, happiness and prosperity into our lives and infuse new energy to build a stronger and more prosperous India.”
Advertisement
