World rings in New Year 2026 with festivities & reflections (photos)

KATHMANDU: Today marks the start of the year 2026 in the Gregorian calendar, widely observed in the Christian era.

This calendar, named after Father Gregory, is based on the year of Jesus Christ’s birth and organizes the year entirely around the solar month.

As New Year 2026 arrives, people around the world are exchanging greetings and celebrating with dazzling displays of fireworks, lively street parties, and cultural performances.

Crowds gathered in city squares and along waterfronts to count down to midnight, accompanied by music, dancing, and traditional rituals.

In some regions, lanterns were lit and released into the sky to symbolize hope and new beginnings, while others enjoyed colorful parades, vibrant costumes, and large-scale concerts.

Families and friends shared meals, exchanged greetings, and embraced the spirit of renewal, showing the universal joy and optimism of the New Year.

However, some critics contend that the Gregorian calendar lacks scientific credibility. Dr. Shastradutta Panta, a researcher of historical periods, points out that while the Bikram Sambat, which aligns solar and lunar months, is considered more scientifically sound, the global influence of the Christian era is undeniable.

A year comprises 365 days, 6 hours, and 49 minutes, but smaller units like hours, minutes, and seconds are generally excluded from calculations for simplicity.

The Bikram Sambat addresses this with a leap month system every three years, whereas the Gregorian calendar relies on a leap year system, which still sees disagreements even among Western countries.

In Nepal, there is a growing trend of celebrating the English New Year with great enthusiasm.

For New Year 2026, various events are being organized in areas with significant foreign presence, including Thamel and Boudha in the capital, as well as Pokhara, Sauraha, and other regions outside the valley.

Fireworks, live music, and cultural activities mark the celebrations, reflecting both global traditions and local enthusiasm.

Despite varied customs and calendars, the celebrations across the world share a common theme: joy, unity, and hope for the year ahead.

Below are pictures of New Year celebrations from different countries