Which will be the 1st country to ring in New Year 2025, and which will be the last?
First Published: 31st December, 2024 19:02 IST
As the world celebrates, the journey from the first to the last second of the new year unites diverse cultures in a shared moment of joy, hope, and renewal
As the clock nears midnight on 31 December, millions worldwide are preparing to welcome 2025 with joyous celebrations. The transition to the new year unfolds as a global wave, with each region marking the occasion at different times, dictated by Earth’s rotation and time zones. Here’s how the world will ring in 2025, from the Pacific islands to the final seconds on Baker and Howland Islands.
First to Celebrate: Christmas Island and Samoa
The honour of being the first to welcome 2025 goes to Christmas Island (Kiritimati) in Kiribati, at 5 am EST (3.30 pm IST). Soon after, New Zealand’s Chatham Islands follow at 5.15 am EST (3.45 pm IST). Major cities like Auckland and Wellington will join at 6 am EST (4.30 pm IST), kicking off vibrant celebrations.
The Pacific Wave: Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji
The Pacific islands of Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji are next, continuing the jubilant transition. Cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, will dazzle with iconic fireworks, followed by smaller cities like Adelaide and Perth, which celebrate at 10.15 am EST (8.45 pm IST).
East Asia’s Turn: Japan, Korea, and China
As the day progresses, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea will welcome the new year at 10 am EST (8.30 pm IST). Midnight celebrations in China, the Philippines, and Singapore will illuminate the skies with fireworks and lanterns, embodying the spirit of renewal.
Southeast Asia and South Asia Join In
Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar will join the revelry before the clock reaches 1.30 pm EST (11 pm IST), when India and Sri Lanka celebrate. As the wave progresses, Pakistan and Afghanistan take their turn, ensuring the momentum continues.
Final Celebration: Baker and Howland Islands
The global festivities conclude at the uninhabited Baker and Howland Islands, southwest of Hawaii. These remote islands will be the last to greet 2025, at 5.30 pm IST on 1 January.
As the world celebrates, the journey from the first to the last second of the new year unites diverse cultures in a shared moment of joy, hope, and renewal. Here’s to a vibrant and prosperous 2025!
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