Several nations have already begun their celebrations for the arrival of 2024, while others eagerly await the new year. China, New Zealand, Australia, and Kiribati were among the first countries to ring in the new year.
However, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have cast a shadow over the festivities, creating heightened tensions in certain parts of the world. In Auckland, residents welcomed the new year with a dazzling fireworks display over the iconic Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest structure.
As the world’s population, which now exceeds eight billion, bids farewell to a turbulent year marked by various challenges, many are hopeful for a fresh start and a resolution to issues such as high living costs and global unrest.
Sydney, known as the “New Year’s capital of the world,” saw over a million partygoers gather along the harbor foreshore to witness a magnificent display of fireworks. Despite the uncharacteristically gloomy weather, the crowd was not disappointed as the Harb
our Bridge and other landmarks were adorned with eight tonnes of colorful fireworks. Sydney’s spectacular show marked the beginning of 2024, a year that will bring significant events such as elections for half the world’s population and the celebration of the summer Olympiad in Paris.
Sequence Of New Year Celebrations
New Zealand – December 31, 11:00 am GMT (4.30 pm IST)
Australia – December 31, 1:00 pm GMT (6.30 pm IST)
Japan, South and North Korea – December 31, 3:00 pm GMT (8.30 pm IST)
China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines – December 31, 4:00 pm GMT (9.30 pm IST)
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia – December 31, 5:00 pm GMT (10.30 pm IST)
India, Sri Lanka
UAE, Oman, Azerbaijan – December 31, 8:00 pm GMT (January 1, 1.30 am IST)
Greece, South Africa, Cyprus, Egypt, Namibia – December 31, 10:00 pm GMT (January 1, 3.30 am)
Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Morocco, Congo, Malta – December 31, 11:00 pm GMT (January 1, 4.30 am IST)
UK, Ireland, Portugal – January 1, 00:00 GMT (5.30 am IST)
Brazil, Argentina, Chile – January 1, 3 am GMT (8.30 am IST)
Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Venezuela, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands – January 1, 4 am GMT (9.30 am IST)
US East Coast (New York, Washington DC, etc), Peru, Cuba, Bahamas – January 1, 5 am (10.30 am IST)
Mexico, parts of Canada and the US – January 1, 6 am GMT (11.30 am IST)
US West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc) – January 1, 8 am GMT (1.30 pm IST)
Hawaii, French Polynesia – January 1, 10 am GMT (3.30 pm IST)
Samoa – January 1, 11 am GMT (4.30 pm IST)
Baker Island, Howland Island – January 1, 12 pm GMT (5.30 pm IST)
