(PTI) NEW DELHI: India welcomed the New Year 2026 with vibrant celebrations across the country, as people gathered in large numbers to mark the occasion with joy and festivity on Thursday night.Cities came alive with fireworks, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations as the nation stepped into another year.The outgoing year, 2025, was remembered for India’s focus on reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.“What makes the reforms of 2025 significant is not only their dimension but also their underlying philosophy. We modernised institutions, simplified governance, and strengthened the foundations for long-term inclusive growth,” he added, noting that his government prioritised collaboration over control and facilitation over regulation “in the true spirit of a modern democracy.”President Droupadi Murmu also extended New Year greetings to citizens in India and abroad, calling the occasion a symbol of renewed energy, positive change and fresh beginnings.“May the year 2026 bring peace, happiness and prosperity into our lives and infuse new energy to build a stronger and more prosperous India,” she said.In Delhi, popular spots including India Gate, Hauz Khas, Connaught Place were bustling with revelers celebrating the arrival of 2026. Ahead of the festivities, the Delhi Police shared a humorous social media post warning against drunk driving, saying, “Kuch Tests me Zero lana hi best hota hai.”In Bengaluru, large crowds of people gathered at the bustling intersections of Mahatma Gandhi Road and Brigade Road.In Punjab, people gathered at the Golden Temple in Amritsar to welcome the New Year, while Mumbai saw large crowds at Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Carter Road in Bandra. Marine Drive also drew many visitors eager to watch the spectacular fireworks display.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhaleda Zia’s funeral: EAM Jaishankar Hands Over Modi’s Letter To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman In DhakaThrowback 25: Five Indian Weapons That Crushed Terror And Dominated Pakistan in Operation SindoorTerror, Tariffs, Polls: PM Modi’s Mic-Drop Moments That Set The Agenda In 2025Top Moments Of 2025 When Indian Diplomats Took On Pakistan, Tore Apart Lies & Hypocrisy At UNThrowback 2025: Five Big Moments When India Defied Pressure And Delivered Diplomatic MasterstrokesAyodhya Faced Conspiracies But Sanatan Prevailed, UP CM Yogi Adityanath Says At Ram Temple EventIndia’s Backyard In Flux: Nepal’s Gen Z Revolt To Pakistan’s Court Chaos Shakes South Asia In 2025Army Trains Village Defence Guards In J&K In Automatic Rifles, Self-Defence | WatchLeT Deputy Saifullah Kasuri Admits India Hit Terror Camps, Threatens Kashmir After Op Sindoor StrikeTwist in Osman Hadi Murder Case: Prime Accused Blames Jamaat From Dubai, Clears India’s Role123Photostories10 South Indian breads that are so soulfulWalking through 2025: The year we put our best foot forwardSkip the crowds in 2026: 10 offbeat destinations in India for New Year travel5 relationship habits to inculcate in 2026 to make it the best year of your lifeFrom soldier to supermodel: 5 looks that made BTS’ V the ultimate fashion muse of 20258 traditional Bengali snacks that are best enjoyed during winterCustard apple: 5 benefits of this creamy seasonal fruit5 common foods that are unhealthy and their alternative usesMalala Yousafzai once said, “If we want to achieve our goal, then let us…”: 5 lessons it teaches studentsHrithik Roshan’s girlfriend Saba Azad’s luxe choga suit is the traditional trend to watch this season123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthLebron JamesCardi BAlex Rodriguez and Jaclyn Cordeiro Net WorthStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkMatthew Stafford vs Drake MVPWest Bengal SIR DeathJake Paul and Jutta Leerdam Net WorthWorld Fourth Largest Economy
NEW DELHI: India welcomed the New Year 2026 with vibrant celebrations across the country, as people gathered in large numbers to mark the occasion with joy and festivity on Thursday night.Cities came alive with fireworks, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations as the nation stepped into another year.The outgoing year, 2025, was remembered for India’s focus on reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.“What makes the reforms of 2025 significant is not only their dimension but also their underlying philosophy. We modernised institutions, simplified governance, and strengthened the foundations for long-term inclusive growth,” he added, noting that his government prioritised collaboration over control and facilitation over regulation “in the true spirit of a modern democracy.”President Droupadi Murmu also extended New Year greetings to citizens in India and abroad, calling the occasion a symbol of renewed energy, positive change and fresh beginnings.“May the year 2026 bring peace, happiness and prosperity into our lives and infuse new energy to build a stronger and more prosperous India,” she said.In Delhi, popular spots including India Gate, Hauz Khas, Connaught Place were bustling with revelers celebrating the arrival of 2026. Ahead of the festivities, the Delhi Police shared a humorous social media post warning against drunk driving, saying, “Kuch Tests me Zero lana hi best hota hai.”In Bengaluru, large crowds of people gathered at the bustling intersections of Mahatma Gandhi Road and Brigade Road.In Punjab, people gathered at the Golden Temple in Amritsar to welcome the New Year, while Mumbai saw large crowds at Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Carter Road in Bandra. Marine Drive also drew many visitors eager to watch the spectacular fireworks display.