World News | Free India

As the world welcomed New Year 2026, celebrations unfolded across an incredible 26 different time zones, making it the only global festival that literally travels around the Earth for almost 48 hours.

The first places to greet the New Year were the tiny Pacific islands of Kiribati and Samoa, while the last to say goodbye to 2025 were parts of Hawaii and the U.S. Baker Island.

🔹 Amazing New Year Facts

• Over 4 billion people worldwide take part in some form of New Year celebration.
• The iconic Times Square Ball Drop in New York uses more than 32,000 LED lights and weighs over 11,000 pounds.
• In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
• In Japan, temples ring their bells 108 times to cleanse human sins and welcome a fresh beginning.
• In India, lakhs of people gathered at beaches, temples, churches and hill stations to usher in 2026 with prayers and fireworks.

🔹 A Festival Without Borders

New Year remains the only celebration shared by every country, religion and culture, symbolising hope, unity and fresh beginnings for the entire world.