World Welcomes 2026 with Hope, Fireworks, and Traditions

People across the world celebrated the transition from 2025 to 2026 with traditional festivities, well-attended events, and a unified hope for peace. From fireworks in Sydney to a bell ceremony in Seoul, memorable New Year's Eve celebrations unfolded amidst reflections on past challenges and aspirations for a peaceful year ahead.

As midnight struck around the globe, communities bid farewell to 2025 in unique and traditional ways, welcoming 2026 with hopeful anticipation. The Pacific Islands first greeted the New Year, while New York's famed Times Square was among the last, featuring the iconic ball drop under chilly conditions.

Sydney marked the occasion with a breathtaking fireworks display despite heightened security following a recent tragedy. A moment of silence honored the victims, and a menorah symbol shone brightly from the Harbour Bridge, echoing a collective yearning for peace.

Celebrations unfolded around the globe, from the monumental Great Wall of China to Rio's vibrant Copacabana Beach party. Even amid geopolitical tensions, hopes for peace persisted, particularly in conflict-stricken regions like Ukraine and Russia. Around the world, the New Year was embraced as a time for renewal and optimism, transcending the difficulties of the past.

(With inputs from agencies.)