Revellers across the globe welcomed 2026 on Wednesday, drawing a line under a turbulent year marked by soaring temperatures, fresh trade shocks under US President Donald Trump, and grinding wars from Ukraine to Gaza.

From subdued ceremonies to vast street parties, celebrations reflected a world balancing grief, relief and cautious optimism as the calendar turned.

A year of conflict, loss and upheaval

As 2025 ended, a fragile truce held in Gaza, even as violence in Sudan continued unabated. The year also saw the installation of a new American pope at the Vatican, the death of pioneering zoologist Jane Goodall, and a global craze for Labubu dolls.

In Ukraine, the war showed no sign of ending. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country was “10 percent” away from a deal to end the fighting, now nearing its fourth year. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his New Year address, urged citizens to believe Moscow would secure victory in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

In Vyshgorod, beauty salon manager Daria Lushchyk described daily life under war.

“Nothing can stop our Ukrainian girls from coming in and getting themselves glam,” she said.

Sydney marks tragedy as celebrations begin

In Sydney, celebrations were tempered by remembrance. Partygoers observed a minute’s silence for victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting before fireworks lit up the harbour at midnight.

Heavily armed police patrolled the shoreline, packed with hundreds of thousands of people, less than two weeks after 15 people were killed at a Jewish festival in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in almost 30 years. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was illuminated in white to symbolise peace.

Pacific nations including Kiribati and New Zealand were the first to enter 2026, followed by Sydney, Seoul and Tokyo as celebrations rolled westward.

What happened in India

Fireworks illuminated the night sky in several cities, including coastal, metropolitan and hill regions, as people gathered with family and friends to welcome the New Year. From the beaches and public squares to religious landmarks, the transition into 2026 was observed with enthusiasm.

Major urban centres witnessed large crowds at popular celebration spots, while hill destinations saw tourists welcoming the New Year amid cold weather and scenic landscapes. In many places, authorities deployed additional security and traffic arrangements to ensure safe and orderly celebrations.

While many in Mumbai welcomed the New Year at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, tourists and locals gathered at key locations in Delhi, such as India Gate and Connaught Place.

Religious sites also witnessed significant footfall as devotees chose to begin the New Year with prayers. Devotees in Amritsar gathered at Shri Harmandir Sahib to offer prayer while parish members attended special New Year services across Churches in Tamil Nadu.

Despite snow-clad landscapes in Jammu and Kashmir, tourists and locals burst firecrackers as they ushered inthe New Year. Political leaders across parties used social media platforms to convey greetings to citizens of the country.

Cancelled fireworks and fragile ceasefires

In Hong Kong, authorities cancelled the New Year fireworks display in tribute to 161 people killed in a November apartment block fire.

In Gaza, residents marked the new year amid devastation despite an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered under pressure from Trump. Both sides have accused each other of repeated violations.

“We bid farewell to 2025 with deep sorrow and grief,” said Gaza City resident Shireen Al-Kayali.

“We lost a lot of people and our possessions. We lived a difficult and harsh life, displaced from one city to another, under bombardment and in terror.”

Political shifts and global celebrations

Trump’s return to the White House in January reshaped global economics, with sweeping tariffs triggering turmoil in world trade and stock markets. As he prepared to host a New Year’s party at his Florida home, he also launched a public attack on actor George Clooney.

Elsewhere, Syria marked a year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, with celebrations in Damascus despite lingering internal challenges.

“There is no fear, the people are happy, all of Syria is one and united, and God willing...it will be a good year for the people and the wise leadership,” said marketing manager Sahar al-Said, 33.

Dubai saw thousands queue for up to nine hours to watch fireworks and laser displays at the Burj Khalifa. In Europe, crowds celebrated near the Eiffel Tower, Bulgaria adopted the euro, and revellers filled Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party.

More than two million people are expected at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach for what authorities call the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. In Washington, the monument was lit to mark the start of America’s 250th birthday year, while New York’s Times Square ball drop went ahead under tight security and freezing temperatures.

Sports, space and scrutiny of AI ahead

The year ahead promises major global events. Athletes will compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy in February, followed by the largest football World Cup in history, with 48 nations playing in the United States, Mexico and Canada in June and July.

NASA is planning a crewed 10-day mission to orbit the moon, more than half a century after the last Apollo flight. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence faces growing scrutiny, with investors questioning whether the long-running boom risks turning into a market bubble.