New York (Monitoring Desk) – The world bid farewell to 2025 with memories, joys, and sorrows, and welcomed 2026 with hopes that dreams unfulfilled in 2025 may come true this year.
The first country to enter the New Year was the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, where 2026 began at 3:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time. New Zealand followed at 4:00 PM, and Australia celebrated the New Year at 6:00 PM, Pakistani time.
In Japan, fireworks lit up the sky while large bells were rung 108 times at Buddhist temples. Citizens and tourists joined lively celebrations in South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. Fireworks illuminated the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and Marina Bay in Singapore with vibrant lights.
In Beijing, China, the Jiayongguan section of the Great Wall was illuminated with special lights and beams, drawing large crowds. Europe and the Middle East welcomed the New Year later, while the United States was among the last. In New York’s Times Square, millions gathered near the famous crystal ball to celebrate.
Experts noted that the differences in the timing of New Year celebrations worldwide are due to the global time zone system, which divides the Earth into regions, allowing each country to celebrate the New Year according to its own time, culture, and traditions.
