[Watch] Countdown Begins In India, But Here’s How Australia & New Zealand Welcome 2026

Sydney: It isn’t New Year in India yet. However, the countdown has begun. In New Delhi, people started gathering around India Gate amid heightened security arrangements, reported ANI. Australia and New Zealand have already ushered in 2026 with fireworks displays and celebrations. The social media is abuzz with pictures and videos of the celebrations.

New Year celebrations took a somber tone in Sydney. According to reports, revellers held a moment of silence for Bondi Beach shooting victims before lighting up with fireworks.

The island nation of Kiribati was the first in the world to enter 2026. Among other cities, Seoul, Tokyo and Auckland have ringed in 2026.

Happy New Year 2026 Sydney, Australia pic.twitter.com/jhbi7BAAWb

— 11:11 (@2025pics) December 31, 2025

In Sydney, heavily armed police patrolled the place as hundreds of thousands of people lined the Sydney shore, reported Hindustan Times.

Happy New Year! 🎉🎆
New Zealand is the first country in the world to enter 2026 — wishing everyone a joyful and happy New Year! 🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/ytbcX7FkE4

— ToMe (@tome_acct) December 31, 2025

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was bathed in white light to symbolise peace. “Right now, the joy that we usually feel at the start of a new year is tempered by the sadness of the old,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony said in a video message.

A five-minute display of 3,500 fireworks was launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, in the city, the Associated Press reported.  The clock struck midnight in Auckland 18 hours before the famous ball drop at New York’s Times Square.

Subdued celebrations took place in the capital city Jakarta, where a program including prayers for victims of Cyclone Sengar was also held, AP reported.

In Dubai in United Arab Emirates, the iconic Burj Khalifa is ready to feature a spectacular light show and fireworks display, PTI reported.