2025 Countdown: 41 Nations Celebrating the New Year Ahead of India

As the world gets ready to welcome 2025, the New Year begins at different times across countries due to varying time zones. Interestingly, 41 nations celebrate the New Year before India, starting the global festivities based ahead of time. From the Pacific Islands to Asia and Europe, each country adds its unique traditions to this joyful occasion, showcasing the world’s diversity in celebrating a fresh start.

Why Do Countries Celebrate New Year At Different Times?

The Earth is divided into 24 time zones based on longitude. Each zone has a standard time, causing countries to celebrate the New Year at different hours. India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +5:30). Many countries are located to the east of India, so they ring in the New Year earlier.

First Country to Welcome the New Year

The first place to celebrate the New Year is Kiritimati Island, also called Christmas Island, located in the Republic of Kiribati. This island is in the UTC +14 time zone, making it the first to ring in 2025. Shortly after, the celebrations begin in Tonga and the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Here, traditional cultural events and spectacular fireworks light up the night.

List of Countries that Celebrate New Year Before India

The New Year is a global celebration, but not all countries welcome it at the same time. Time zones play a major role in determining when each country celebrates. Below is a list of countries that celebrate the New Year earlier than India, in order of their celebrations.

• Kiribati
• Samoa and Tonga
• New Zealand
• Russia and Fiji
• Australia
• Papua New Guinea
• Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and North Korea
• China, Malaysia and Singapore
• Vietnam and Thailand
• Myanmar
• Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Bhutan
• Nepal
• India and Sri Lanka

Kiribati

Kiribati, located in the Central Pacific Ocean, is the very first country to celebrate the New Year. People here celebrate with traditional dancing, feasting and prayers. The island nation embraces the occasion with vibrant energy.

Samoa and Tonga

Samoa and Tonga, in the South Pacific, are the next countries to welcome the New Year. These islands light up with thrilling cultural performances, beach parties under full moon nights and breathtaking fireworks.

New Zealand

New Zealand celebrates with dazzling fireworks displays. Popular spots like Auckland’s Sky Tower and Wellington’s waterfront attract crowds who gather to watch the colorful skies on New Year’s Eve.

Russia and Fiji

Certain parts of Russia, along with the Pacific island nation of Fiji, celebrate next. Russians enjoy grand dinners paired with spectacular fireworks, while Fijians indulge in beach festivities and cultural dances.

Australia

Australia marks the New Year with one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. Sydney’s Harbour Bridge is the centerpiece of grand fireworks displays. Street parties, family barbecues, and lively events make it a memorable occasion.

Papua New Guinea

Situated north of Australia, Papua New Guinea celebrates with traditional music and dances. Festivities take place in both rural villages and urban towns, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.

Indonesia, Japan and North Korea and South Korea

These countries ring in the New Year around the same time.

• Japan: Temple bells ring, and special foods are enjoyed with families.
• South Korea and North Korea: Families gather to enjoy local dishes and traditions.
• Indonesia: City festivities dominate, with lively street events.

China, Malaysia and Singapore

China, Malaysia and Singapore greet the New year with grand countdown parties, fireworks and family gatherings. These countries focus on spending time with loved ones and enjoying festive meals.

Vietnam and Thailand

Street parties, music, lanterns and traditional foods define the New Year celebrations in Vietnam and Thailand. The lively atmosphere reflects their zest for the occasion.

Myanmar

Myanmar celebrates with prayers at pagodas and cultural performances. Their festivities are deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality.

Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Bhutan

These three countries ring in the New Year before India with fireworks, feasting and cultural entertainment. Bhutan also incorporates religious rituals seeking blessings for the year ahead.

Nepal

Nepal, a Himalayan neighbor of India, celebrates with family dinners, traditional music and temple visits. The New Year here is a mix of spirituality and festivity.

India and Sri Lanka

Finally, India and Sri Lanka celebrate the New Year:

• India: Cities light up with fireworks, parties and prayers at temples. Rural areas enjoy folk dances and fairs.
• Sri Lanka: Celebrations include family gatherings, temple visits, and backside fireworks.