Across the nation, people gathered in large crowds to usher in 2026. In Japan, a crowd gathered at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo for a bell striking at midnight. In the South Korean capital Seoul, a bell tolling and a countdown ceremony were held at the Bosingak Pavilion. Australia’s Sydney began 2026 with a fireworks display held under an ‍enhanced police presence, weeks after gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish event in the city. The Pacific island nation of Kiribati became the first country in the world to welcome 2026 as the clock struck midnight in its Line Islands, marking the official start of New Year’s celebrations globally.

Source: The Hindu December 31, 2025 19:30 UTC