India Welcomes 2026 with Grand Celebrations, Tight Security Across Major Cities

• India celebrated New Year 2026 with massive gatherings and festive events in cities nationwide, marked by fireworks and public celebrations.
• Delhi saw packed landmarks like India Gate and Connaught Place, with over 680 police personnel deployed for safety and traffic management.
• Srinagar's Lal Chowk, Mussoorie, Manali, and Rajasthan's tourist spots experienced significant influxes, with Jaipur hotels fully booked.
• Varanasi held a spiritual celebration at Dashashwamedh Ghat, spelling 'Swagatam 2026' with 1,001 lamps during Ganga Aarti.
• Bengaluru hosted vibrant street parties on Mahatma Gandhi Road and Brigade Road, while Auckland, New Zealand, led global celebrations with fireworks.

Why It Matters: India and the world welcomed 2026 with grand celebrations, blending festivity with heightened security.