China is gearing up for its Spring Festival, which will take place from January 28th to February 4th. As preparations are in full swing, this year's festivities will introduce the first intangible cultural heritage version of the Spring Festival, highlighting the practices and customs in China.

Shanxi Walls Dazzle Ahead Of Chinese Chinese New Year

In a celebratory moment, French President Emmanuel Macron is seen cutting a giant cake at the Elysee Palace, marking a special occasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron cuts a giant cake in Elysee Palace

<p>Jennifer Lopez stunned her fans as she posted pictures wearing just a bikini and fur boots. The 55-year-old actress and singer celebrated holidays on Aspen, Colorado as she brought in the new year. She looked nothing short of stunning wearing a sexy, two-piece string bikini adorned with gold embellishments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Jennifer shared pictures with Moto Bandit&rsquo;s &ldquo;Daylight Doom&rdquo; playing in the background. In one photo, JLo posed with a black cowboy hat adorned with a feather and a silver chain as she held her hand over her arm.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Jennifer Lopez is a true blue fashionista</strong></h2>
<p>JLo also sported a gold necklace with a large pendant. She completed the look with brown fur boots. She wrote, "New post&rdquo; as she shared these pictures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The singer also shared pictures from her time at the snowy getaway spot, where she has been on vacation since Christmas.&nbsp;</p>
<p>She shared a video in which you can spot a lot of friends she hung out with during the holidays. The video montage began with a photo of her wearing the same cowboy hat, a black turtleneck blouse and Chanel earrings. It then showed pictures of her and a group of friends having drinks and dancing before cutting to a clip of Jennifer Lopez decorating a large Christmas tree.</p>
<p>Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/diddy-documentary-bodyguard-intern-reveal-no-one-wanted-to-be-around-him-unless-there-were-cameras-8586971" aria-label="Diddy documentary: Bodyguard, intern reveal no one wanted to be around him 'unless there were cameras'">Diddy documentary: Bodyguard, intern reveal no one wanted to be around him 'unless there were cameras'</a></p>
<p>Before this, JLo teased how she celebrated Christmas &ndash; with her 16-year-old twins Emme and Max. There was another picture in which she posed with her sister Lynda Lopez and niece Lucie, 16.&nbsp;</p>
<p>She ended the video by sharing a clip of fireworks, selfies from the backseat of a car, and a photo of her and her friends posing underneath a "Happy New Year," banner.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media publive-iframes-block publive-Instagram-block" contenteditable="false" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEVsQl8TolF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5gl8jbw-jtgs7hc9-8qnnfpw9">
<div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEVsQl8TolF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
</a>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEVsQl8TolF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>She captioned these posts, &ldquo;We will be back Aspen.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The vacation recap comes days after Lopez shared a video of major highlights of the year gone by.&nbsp;</p>

Jennifer Lopez kicked off the new year in an ultra-glam avatar as she posed in a bikini and boots with fur. The crooner bought in the new year from holidays in Aspen, Colorado. 

Jennifer Lopez stunned her fans as she posted pictures wearing just a bikini and fur boots. The 55-year-old actress and singer celebrated holidays on Aspen, Colorado as she brought in the new year. She looked nothing short of stunning wearing a sexy, two-piece string bikini adorned with gold embellishments. Jennifer shared pictures with Moto Bandit’s “Daylight Doom” playing in the background. In one photo, JLo posed with a black cowboy hat adorned with a feather and a silver chain as she held her hand over her arm. Jennifer Lopez is a true blue fashionista JLo also sported a gold necklace with a large pendant. She completed the look with brown fur boots. She wrote, "New post” as she shared these pictures. The singer also shared pictures from her time at the snowy getaway spot, where she has been on vacation since Christmas. She shared a video in which you can spot a lot of friends she hung out with during the holidays. The video montage began with a photo of her wearing the same cowboy hat, a black turtleneck blouse and Chanel earrings. It then showed pictures of her and a group of friends having drinks and dancing before cutting to a clip of Jennifer Lopez decorating a large Christmas tree. Also read: Diddy documentary: Bodyguard, intern reveal no one wanted to be around him 'unless there were cameras' Before this, JLo teased how she celebrated Christmas – with her 16-year-old twins Emme and Max. There was another picture in which she posed with her sister Lynda Lopez and niece Lucie, 16. She ended the video by sharing a clip of fireworks, selfies from the backseat of a car, and a photo of her and her friends posing underneath a "Happy New Year," banner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) She captioned these posts, “We will be back Aspen.” The vacation recap comes days after Lopez shared a video of major highlights of the year gone by.

Wait, Is that 55-year-old Jennifer Lopez in bikini and boots with fur?

<p>The attack which claimed the lives of at least 15 people, while injuring dozens in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=new+orleans" rel="dofollow">New Orleans</a> on New Year's Day, has shaken the whole nation. The victims included a renowned American college football player, a young aspiring nurse, a mother of a four-year-old, and a father of two, who is remembered as "the life of the party".&nbsp;</p>
<p>Forty-two-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar ploughed a truck into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans' Bourbon Street on Wednesday, which killed 15 people while injuring dozens.&nbsp;</p>
<p>During the attack, Jabbar also shot two police officers, who are now in stable condition. Later, the FBI reported that he was killed in a gunfight with police.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-turo-the-car-sharing-app-used-in-new-orleans-attack-and-cybertruck-blast-in-las-vegas-8585327" rel="dofollow">What is Turo, the car-sharing app used in New Orleans attack and cybertruck blast in Las Vegas?</a></strong></p>
<h1>Who were the victims?</h1>
<h2>Martin 'Tiger' Bech</h2>
<p>A 28-year-old former Princeton football player, Bech, was an All-Ivy League performer who played high school football at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, before getting a scholarship to Princeton University, reported CBS Sports.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He sustained critical injuries in the Bourbon Street attack incident and was taken to a New Orleans hospital, where he later died.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Reportedly, he was kept on life support until his family arrived. The university confirmed his death in a statement. "There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached," Princeton football coach Bob Surace said in a statement.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-blames-open-borders-democrats-after-deadly-new-orleans-attack-kills-15-8585338" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;US is breaking down&rsquo;: Trump blames open borders, Democrats after deadly New Orleans attack kills 15</a></strong></p>
<p>"He was a 'Tiger' in every way, a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate, and a caring friend."</p>
<h2>Nicole Perez</h2>
<p>Nicole Perez, the mother of a four-year-old boy, was one of the victims of the deadly incident in New Orleans. She was out with her friends on New Year's Eve when she was struck by Jabbar as he ploughed his truck through the crowd.</p>
<p>Kimberly Usher-Fall, Perez's employer and family friend, confirmed her as one of the victims of the New Orleans attack. 27-year-old Perez is smart and a "good-hearted person", Fall said.</p>
<p>Her boss said that she was excited about a recent promotion to manager at one of Usher Fall's stores.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Reggie Hunter</h2>
<p>37-year-old Reggie Hunter, who was a father of two, also died in the&nbsp; New Orleans incident on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;</p>
<p>His cousin Shirell Robinson Jackson described him as "full of life", and said that he messaged his family to wish them a Happy New Year, minutes after midnight.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"He had gotten off work and headed to Bourbon Street on a whim to ring in the new year with a cousin," his family told The Times-Picayune.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Jackson added that Hunter and his cousin were both hit by the truck. While Hunter died, the cousin was among the 35 injured who were taken to local hospitals.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-truck-attack-footage-emerges-of-accused-offering-real-estate-services-8584675" rel="dofollow">Good evening, I'm Shamsud-Din Jabbar: Footage emerges of New Orleans truck attack accused offering real estate services</a></strong></p>
<h2>Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux</h2>
<p>18-year-old Nikyra was an aspiring nurse. Her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, confirmed her daughter's death on social media.</p>
<p>"I lost my baby just pray for me and my family pleaseeeeee!!! God I need you now!!," the mother wrote, along with a photo of her daughter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dedeaux, also a nurse, told the local media outlet that her daughter was about to start her nurse training later this month. She said that Nikita was with a cousin and a friend, who survived the incident.</p>
<h2>Matthew Tenedorio</h2>
<p>Tenedorio, 25, was an audiovisual technician with a laid-back spirit and "infectious laughter" that brought joy to everyone around him, according to a fundraiser his family set up in his name.</p>
<p>His mother, Cathy Tenedorio, said that she saw her son for the last time at 9 pm on New Year's Eve, and said that she remembered kissing and hugging him.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World, Trending: The victims included a renowned American college football player, a young aspiring nurse, and a mother of a four-year-old. 

The attack which claimed the lives of at least 15 people, while injuring dozens in New Orleans on New Year's Day, has shaken the whole nation. The victims included a renowned American college football player, a young aspiring nurse, a mother of a four-year-old, and a father of two, who is remembered as "the life of the party". Forty-two-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar ploughed a truck into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans' Bourbon Street on Wednesday, which killed 15 people while injuring dozens. During the attack, Jabbar also shot two police officers, who are now in stable condition. Later, the FBI reported that he was killed in a gunfight with police. Also read: What is Turo, the car-sharing app used in New Orleans attack and cybertruck blast in Las Vegas? Who were the victims? Martin 'Tiger' Bech A 28-year-old former Princeton football player, Bech, was an All-Ivy League performer who played high school football at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, before getting a scholarship to Princeton University, reported CBS Sports. He sustained critical injuries in the Bourbon Street attack incident and was taken to a New Orleans hospital, where he later died. Reportedly, he was kept on life support until his family arrived. The university confirmed his death in a statement. "There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached," Princeton football coach Bob Surace said in a statement. Also read: ‘US is breaking down’: Trump blames open borders, Democrats after deadly New Orleans attack kills 15 "He was a 'Tiger' in every way, a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate, and a caring friend." Nicole Perez Nicole Perez, the mother of a four-year-old boy, was one of the victims of the deadly incident in New Orleans. She was out with her friends on New Year's Eve when she was struck by Jabbar as he ploughed his truck through the crowd. Kimberly Usher-Fall, Perez's employer and family friend, confirmed her as one of the victims of the New Orleans attack. 27-year-old Perez is smart and a "good-hearted person", Fall said. Her boss said that she was excited about a recent promotion to manager at one of Usher Fall's stores. Reggie Hunter 37-year-old Reggie Hunter, who was a father of two, also died in the New Orleans incident on Wednesday morning. His cousin Shirell Robinson Jackson described him as "full of life", and said that he messaged his family to wish them a Happy New Year, minutes after midnight. "He had gotten off work and headed to Bourbon Street on a whim to ring in the new year with a cousin," his family told The Times-Picayune. Jackson added that Hunter and his cousin were both hit by the truck. While Hunter died, the cousin was among the 35 injured who were taken to local hospitals. Also read: Good evening, I'm Shamsud-Din Jabbar: Footage emerges of New Orleans truck attack accused offering real estate services Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux 18-year-old Nikyra was an aspiring nurse. Her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, confirmed her daughter's death on social media. "I lost my baby just pray for me and my family pleaseeeeee!!! God I need you now!!," the mother wrote, along with a photo of her daughter. Dedeaux, also a nurse, told the local media outlet that her daughter was about to start her nurse training later this month. She said that Nikita was with a cousin and a friend, who survived the incident. Matthew Tenedorio Tenedorio, 25, was an audiovisual technician with a laid-back spirit and "infectious laughter" that brought joy to everyone around him, according to a fundraiser his family set up in his name. His mother, Cathy Tenedorio, said that she saw her son for the last time at 9 pm on New Year's Eve, and said that she remembered kissing and hugging him. (With inputs from agencies)

Who were the victims of New Orleans attack?

<p>At least 10 people were killed and over 35 have been injured after a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd during New Year's celebrations in New Orleans's Bourbon Street on Wednesday (Jan 1). The suspect has reportedly died in a fire exchange with the police officials. Police said the driver was "hellbent" on "creating the carnage and the damage that he did". Moreover, the FBI said that the attack is being investigated as an "act of terrorism".&nbsp;</p>

<p><span>US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the "horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight", according to a statement release by the White House. The president has been in touch with New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell, to offer support.</span></p>
<p><span>FBI in a statement, said that the case is being investigated as an "act of terrorism", adding that the person then "engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased".</span></p>
<p><span>A federal law enforcement official told CNN that the suspect in the New Orleans attack has died. The driver of the pickup truck was killed after exchanging gunfire with police, according to a senior law enforcement source who spoke to the Guardian. The source said that the driver was armed with a rifle and wearing a helmet and body armor.</span></p>
<p>New Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the suspect displayed "very intentional behaviour" and was "trying to run over as many people as he possibly could". She added that the individual was "hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage he did."</p>
<p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

New Orleans attack: What happened so far?

New Orleans attack

<p>&nbsp;Federal law enforcement sources informed Fox that the truck involved in the New Orleans attack passed through Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago. The suspect's citizenship status remains unconfirmed.</p>

New Orleans attack: Truck involved in the New Orleans attack passed through Eagle Pass, Texas

<p>A senior law enforcement source confirmed to <em>the Guardian </em>that 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar is the suspect in the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans.&nbsp;</p>

New Orleans attack: Shamsud Din Jabbar identified as suspect

<p>Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that the FBI is investigating the New Orleans attack as an act of terrorism.</p>
<p><span>&ldquo;This abhorrent attack is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism,&rdquo; he said in a statement.</span></p>
<p>He offered condolences to the victims' families, extended prayers for the injured, and commended first responders for their bravery, urging the public to remain alert.</p>

New Orleans attack: Homeland security secretary calls New Orleans attack "abhorrent"

<p>President-elect Donald Trump linked the deadly attack to illegal immigration, an issue which has remained at the core of his presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in the country... it turned out to be true," Trump posted on Truth Social. However, police have not revealed the nationality or identity of the attacker yet.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before...," he added.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trump stressed that his administration will fully support New Orleans as they investigate this "act of pure evil."</p>

New Orleans attack: Trump links attack to illegal immigration

<p>Biden in a statement said, "I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind."</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have been continually briefed since early this morning regarding the horrific incident that occurred in New Orleans overnight.<br><br>The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I will continue to receive updates&hellip;</p>
&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1874491289569251453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&nbsp;</p>

New Orleans attack: Biden directs team 'to ensure every resource is available' 

<p>US President Joe Biden spoke with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and offered "full federal support" following the horrific news.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities," he said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

New Orleans attack: Biden offers 'full federal support' 

<p>The investigators are probing the case and looking in whether the suspect had links to or was inspired by foreign terror groups, CBS reported citing sources with law enforcement and the City of New Orleans.</p>

New Orleans attack: Investigators probing foreign terror link

<p>US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the New Orleans attack &ldquo;an act of pure evil&rdquo; in a post on X.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5e1tk81-8q7j8hv6-fycn96m4">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The vicious attack on innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans early this morning was an act of pure evil, and justice must be swift for anyone who was involved. <br><br>Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and the first responders and investigators&hellip;</p>
&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1874467359936729436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>"<span>The vicious attack on innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans early this morning was an act of pure evil, and justice must be swift for anyone who was involved. Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and the first responders and investigators on the scene,</span>" he wrote on social media platform X.</p>

New Orleans attack: US House Speaker Mike Johnson calls the incident 'an act of pure evil'

<p>Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick advised the residents to go about their day as normal, further asking them to avoid the area around Bourbon Street.&nbsp;</p>

New Orleans attack: Residents advised to avoid Bourbon Street

<p>US President Joe Biden spoke to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell following the deadly incident, according to a White House official.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Biden has also been briefed about the incident by senior leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and his White House homeland security team.</p>

New Orleans attack: Biden speaks to New Orleans mayor

<p>In a statement, the FBI said the person who rammed car into a crowd of people is dead, adding that the attack is being investigated as an "act of terrorism".</p>
<p>"The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism," it added.</p>

New Orleans attack: FBI calls the attack 'act of terrorism'

<p><span>At least ten people lost their lives and over&nbsp;</span><span>35 were injured&nbsp;</span><span>in New Orleans's Bourbon Street after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd during the early hours of </span>New Year&rsquo;s Day.&nbsp;</p>

New Orleans attack: 10 killed, over 35 injured in 'terrorist attack' 

World: New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was "hellbent" on "creating the carnage and the damage that he did". 

At least 10 people were killed and over 35 have been injured after a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd during New Year's celebrations in New Orleans's Bourbon Street on Wednesday (Jan 1). The suspect has reportedly died in a fire exchange with the police officials. Police said the driver was "hellbent" on "creating the carnage and the damage that he did". Moreover, the FBI said that the attack is being investigated as an "act of terrorism".

New Orleans attack live updates:  US citizen Shamsud Din Jabbar identified as suspect who rammed truck on crowd

In his traditional New Year's Eve address, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that his June decision to call snap elections had unintended consequences. He admitted the move deepened divisions in the National Assembly instead of offering solutions for the French people. Macron reflected on the months of political deadlock that followed, highlighting the challenges the decision posed for governance and national unity.

Macron's New Year's Eve Address On France's Political Turmoil

<p>Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29, marking the start of the 'Year of the Snake'. This time is filled with celebrations, traditions and rituals that bring families together to honour the past and welcome the future with hope and good fortune.</p>
<h2><strong>Significance of the Year of the Snake</strong></h2>
<p>'Year of the Snake' represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. In 2025, it&rsquo;s the 'Wood Snake' year, which encourages people to embrace change and growth. It&rsquo;s a time to set intentions for the year ahead and wish for prosperity and good fortune.</p>
<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bioluminescent-sea-sparkles-light-up-tasmanias-coastline-raising-environmental-concerns-8583098"><strong> Bioluminescent 'sea sparkles' light up Tasmania&rsquo;s coastline, raising environmental concerns</strong></a></p>
<p>Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, honouring traditions, and looking forward to a bright new year filled with happiness and success. It&rsquo;s a joyful celebration that brings people together to celebrate new beginnings and the promise of a prosperous year.</p>
<h2><strong>Chinese New Year: History</strong></h2>
<p>Chinese New Year has a long history and is deeply tied to the lunar calendar. According to legend, the holiday began as a way to protect people from a mythical beast called Nian, who would appear on New Year&rsquo;s Eve. Over time, people created celebrations to drive the beast away. The holiday also marks the end of winter and the start of spring, a time for renewal and fresh beginnings.</p>
<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/puerto-rico-suffers-island-wide-power-blackout-on-hours-before-new-year-celebration-8582543"> Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power blackout hours before New Year</a></strong></p>
<p><strong></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bioluminescent-sea-sparkles-light-up-tasmanias-coastline-raising-environmental-concerns-8583098"><strong> </strong></a></p>
<h2><strong>Chinese New Year: Traditions and rituals</strong></h2>
<p>During Chinese New Year, there are many customs to bring good luck. People clean their homes to get rid of bad energy and decorate them with red symbols of good fortune. It's common for elders to give children red envelopes filled with money, wishing them prosperity. Families also visit the graves of their ancestors to honour them. Wearing new clothes and red decorations is traditional for a fresh start in the new year.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

World | Trending: 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29, marking the start of the 'Year of the Snake'. This time is filled with celebrations, traditions and rituals that bring families together to honour the past and welcome the future with hope and good fortune. Significance of the Year of the Snake 'Year of the Snake' represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. In 2025, it’s the 'Wood Snake' year, which encourages people to embrace change and growth. It’s a time to set intentions for the year ahead and wish for prosperity and good fortune. Also read | Bioluminescent 'sea sparkles' light up Tasmania’s coastline, raising environmental concerns Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, honouring traditions, and looking forward to a bright new year filled with happiness and success. It’s a joyful celebration that brings people together to celebrate new beginnings and the promise of a prosperous year. Chinese New Year: History Chinese New Year has a long history and is deeply tied to the lunar calendar. According to legend, the holiday began as a way to protect people from a mythical beast called Nian, who would appear on New Year’s Eve. Over time, people created celebrations to drive the beast away. The holiday also marks the end of winter and the start of spring, a time for renewal and fresh beginnings. Also read | Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power blackout hours before New Year Chinese New Year: Traditions and rituals During Chinese New Year, there are many customs to bring good luck. People clean their homes to get rid of bad energy and decorate them with red symbols of good fortune. It's common for elders to give children red envelopes filled with money, wishing them prosperity. Families also visit the graves of their ancestors to honour them. Wearing new clothes and red decorations is traditional for a fresh start in the new year. (With inputs from agencies)

Year of the Snake: History, significance and date of Chinese New Year 2025

<p>Abu Dhabi welcomed 2025 with the largest fireworks display at the Sheikh Zayed Festival during the New Year&rsquo;s celebration in Al Wathba. The 50-minute-long display set six new Guinness World Records, illuminating the night sky.</p>
<p>The fireworks display started at 6 pm on the eve of New Year, happening every hour until the festival&rsquo;s grand finale in the Emirati capital set a world record. Spectacular pyrotechnics were also showcased during the New Year celebration at iconic locations across Abu Dhabi, including Yas Island and the Corniche. The luminous event was captured by many and was widely circulated on social media.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pics-how-world-celebrated-new-year-2025-8582095" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">New Year in pics | World welcomes 2025 with fireworks, celebrations</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Record-breaking fireworks and drone show</strong></h2>
<p>Apart from the fireworks, the show also included a 6,000 drone display for over 20 minutes, creating stunning formations that left the audience in awe. The festival had the largest display of continuous fireworks in terms of both scale and design. It also included an aerial display of the phrase &ldquo;Happy New Year&rdquo; created by 3,000 drones and synchronised drone performance with music. By combining laser, drones, and fireworks, the display was over an hour long with no interruption in visual splendour.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEQhxDbuOSr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEQhxDbuOSr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
</a>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEQhxDbuOSr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗢𝗥 | 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 &amp; 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 (@cuptaleswithsafia)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p>In 2023, Abu Dhabi set three Guinness World Records - for time, formation, and quantity with its celebrations during the Sheikh Zayed Festival. The fireworks display lasted for 40 minutes and included over 5,000 drones that created the world&rsquo;s largest aerial logo.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/happy-new-year-2025-celebrations-live-updates-new-zealand-ushers-to-welcome-the-new-year-with-fireworks-8580939" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">As it happened | New Year 2025 Celebrations: New York City welcomes 2025 with Ball Drop moment</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Celebration across Abu Dhabi</strong></h2>
<p>During this year&rsquo;s celebration, the fireworks display hosted at Yas Island took place at 9 pm until midnight which could be witnessed from locations like Samaliyah Island, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina and Yas Beach. While the celebrations at Abu Dhabi Corniche could be witnessed from spots such as Corniche Beach, Lulu Island, and the MOTN Festival.</p>
<p>Apart from the capital, other places across Abu Dhabi celebrated the New Year with grand festivities. Al Mughira Beach, Madinat Zayed Public Park, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Ghayathi and the Liwa Festival were among the vibrant fireworks displays that lit up the night sky.</p>
<p>Sheikh Zayed Festival also included several attractions for visitors like concerts, laser shows, cultural performances and family-friendly activities. The festivities which began on November 1, 2024 and continue until February 28, 2025, celebrate the culture and heritage of Emirati.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

The fireworks displays started at 6 pm, happening every hour until the festival’s grand finale in the Emirati capital, setting a world record.

Abu Dhabi welcomed 2025 with the largest fireworks display at the Sheikh Zayed Festival during the New Year’s celebration in Al Wathba. The 50-minute-long display set six new Guinness World Records, illuminating the night sky. The fireworks display started at 6 pm on the eve of New Year, happening every hour until the festival’s grand finale in the Emirati capital set a world record. Spectacular pyrotechnics were also showcased during the New Year celebration at iconic locations across Abu Dhabi, including Yas Island and the Corniche. The luminous event was captured by many and was widely circulated on social media. Also read | New Year in pics | World welcomes 2025 with fireworks, celebrations Record-breaking fireworks and drone show Apart from the fireworks, the show also included a 6,000 drone display for over 20 minutes, creating stunning formations that left the audience in awe. The festival had the largest display of continuous fireworks in terms of both scale and design. It also included an aerial display of the phrase “Happy New Year” created by 3,000 drones and synchronised drone performance with music. By combining laser, drones, and fireworks, the display was over an hour long with no interruption in visual splendour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗢𝗥 | 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 & 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 (@cuptaleswithsafia) In 2023, Abu Dhabi set three Guinness World Records - for time, formation, and quantity with its celebrations during the Sheikh Zayed Festival. The fireworks display lasted for 40 minutes and included over 5,000 drones that created the world’s largest aerial logo. Also read | As it happened | New Year 2025 Celebrations: New York City welcomes 2025 with Ball Drop moment Celebration across Abu Dhabi During this year’s celebration, the fireworks display hosted at Yas Island took place at 9 pm until midnight which could be witnessed from locations like Samaliyah Island, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina and Yas Beach. While the celebrations at Abu Dhabi Corniche could be witnessed from spots such as Corniche Beach, Lulu Island, and the MOTN Festival. Apart from the capital, other places across Abu Dhabi celebrated the New Year with grand festivities. Al Mughira Beach, Madinat Zayed Public Park, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Ghayathi and the Liwa Festival were among the vibrant fireworks displays that lit up the night sky. Sheikh Zayed Festival also included several attractions for visitors like concerts, laser shows, cultural performances and family-friendly activities. The festivities which began on November 1, 2024 and continue until February 28, 2025, celebrate the culture and heritage of Emirati. (With inputs from agencies)

Abu Dhabi creates Guinness world records with largest fireworks and drone show on New Year

<p>The New Year's celebrations took place across the world as people enthusiastically marked the arrival of 2025. The transition to 2025 unfurled in a striking wave of celebrations as each region marks the occasion. The celebration is testament of global unity, as from small islands in the Pacific to energetic and busy cities, all welcomed the New Year with passion and thrill.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New York City&rsquo;s iconic Times Square was electric last night as the clock struck midnight, ringing in the year 2025 with an unforgettable celebration. Crowds gathered, bundled up and buzzing with excitement, to witness the historic ball drop, one of the most anticipated moments in&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/GTAqYy619Y">pic.twitter.com/GTAqYy619Y</a></p>
&mdash; NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/NY_Scoop/status/1874331179354058892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>

Watch | New York welcomes New Year 2025 with the iconic 'Ball Drop' tradition at Times Square

<p><span data-teams="true">Confetti falls after the ball dropped over Times Square during the 2025 New Year&rsquo;s Eve celebrations on January 1, 2025 in New York City.</span></p>

New York City welcomes 2025

<p>Fireworks explode during the New Year celebration at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, early on January 1, 2025. A traditional fireworks display and free music concerts will be held to welcome the new year during the New Year's Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro.</p>
<p>The Rio Mayor's Press Office considers it the world's biggest New Year's Eve celebration, with 2 million people expected to attend.</p>
<figure class="image"><img alt="New Year celebrations, Brazil" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/01/oBvshmkA2yeihM4qv3T8.png" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>New Year celebrations, Brazil Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

New Year festivities: 2025 arrives in Brazil -The Americas kicks off celebrations

<p><span>The epic tradition was first held on December 31, 1907, when the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Since then, every year the ball drop has been held.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>However, in 1942 and 1943, in observance of wartime blackouts, when due to the "dim out" of lights in New York City, the ceremony was suspended.</span></p>

New Year 2025: When did the first ball drop happen in New York

<p>Every year, for decades, New York City has marked the New Year's celebration with its epic ball drop.</p>
<p>Just like every year, this year, the ball will drop at the stroke of midnight in the Big Apple (0500 GMT and 1030 IST), ushering in the new year.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

New Year 2025: NYC ball drop

<p>A video of a breathtaking firework display as Sydney, Australia welcomes the New Year, is going viral. Watch:<br><br></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sydney, Australia.. 👌 <a href="https://t.co/32ldZ1iPMd">pic.twitter.com/32ldZ1iPMd</a></p>
&mdash; Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) <a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/1874176614516613449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>

New Year 2025: Sydney lights up with fireworks. Video

<p>New Year has finally arrived in India. The country has welcomed 2025 with much fervour.&nbsp;</p>

India welcomes 2025 with fervour

<p>Bangladesh welcomed the New Year after a year of&nbsp;<span>upheava</span>l in the country.&nbsp;</p>

New Year 2025: Bangladesh welcomes 2025 

<p>Hundreds of people gathered at Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour for a firework display to celebrate the New Year.&nbsp;</p>

New Year 2025: Hong Kong welcomes New Year 

<p>Crowds gathered in Japan's capital Tokyo at Tokudai-ji temple to celebrate the New Year to take part in the ringing of bells.&nbsp;</p>

New Year 2025: Japan welcomes the New Year with tolling of bells 

<p>South Korea held muted New Year events and cancelled the big celebration following the plane crash on Sunday (Dec 29).&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

New Year 2025: New Year celebration cancelled in South Korea after plane crash 

<p>Australia kicked off 2025 in style, with Sydney&rsquo;s iconic fireworks display taking centre stage during the country&rsquo;s celebrations.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="314" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2F3959658394269749%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p>

New Year 2025: Sydney celebrates with fireworks as Australia welcomes 2025

<p>In his New Year&rsquo;s Eve address, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Germans to vote in the snap elections set for February.</p>

 New Year 2025: Scholz Urges Germans to Vote in February Snap Elections

<p>New Year's Eve celebrations have begun in Australia as the country is about to dive in 2025, with utmost enthusiasm and thrill. A "family fireworks" has already lit up the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.&nbsp;</p>

New Year 2025: 'Family fireworks' light up in Australia ahead of New Year celebrations

<p>New Zealand welcomes the New Year as the clock struck midnight on December 31, being the first major country to ring in 2025. The country celebrates with its traditional stunning fireworks at the iconic Sky Tower. Thousands of people gather at the waterfront to witness the beautiful moments on the New Year.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take a look at New Zealand&rsquo;s breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the night sky, welcoming 2025 in style.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewZealand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewZealand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a> <a href="https://t.co/UtwBe8fAQA">pic.twitter.com/UtwBe8fAQA</a></p>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1874051350407098538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>

New Year 2025: New Zealand welcomes new year with fireworks 

The transition to 2025 unfurled in a striking wave of celebrations from Asia to Americas as each region marks the occasion. This is how the world celebrated.

The New Year's celebrations took place across the world as people enthusiastically marked the arrival of 2025. The transition to 2025 unfurled in a striking wave of celebrations as each region marks the occasion. The celebration is testament of global unity, as from small islands in the Pacific to energetic and busy cities, all welcomed the New Year with passion and thrill.

As it happened | New Year 2025 Celebrations: New York City welcomes 2025 with Ball Drop moment

Auckland has officially welcomed 2025, becoming the first major city in the world to celebrate the new year. Thousands of revelers gathered to enjoy vibrant fireworks launched from the iconic Sky Tower, New Zealand's tallest structure, alongside a dazzling downtown light show that illuminated the city’s skyline. Cheers erupted as the countdown ended, marking the start of the new year in spectacular fashion..

Auckland Sky Tower Dazzles With 5-Minute Firework Display

As the holiday season wraps up, it seems consumers are cutting back on the sip and splurging more on sweets. While bars and restaurants are still buzzing with holiday traffic, the indulgence game has shifted in a big way—desserts are being scooped up at home, and drinks are being poured down in volume. According to a report by Technomic, dessert prices have risen by 3.2% this year, but instead of flocking to restaurants, Americans are opting for easier, sweeter alternatives. A growing 39% of dessert lovers are picking up pre-packaged treats, while 38% are embracing the do-it-yourself route.

What Are Holiday Diners Calling For?

As part of the New Year's celebration, China welcomed 2025 with a vibrant lantern show. The stunning display of lights created a magical atmosphere for both locals and tourists. This celebration is part of a long-standing tradition in China, where lantern festivals are held to mark important occasions and strengthen community bonds. Watch to know more.

Festive Lantern Illuminate China's Night Sky

Paris transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, offering a mix of culinary delights, age-old traditions, and streets adorned with glittering lights. Watch this report for more details!

Paris: Crowds Gather At Paris' Champs-Elysees For Christmas Lights Display  | World News | WION

<p>Ethiopia is all set to celebrate the new year on September 11. However, while the rest of the world lives in 2024, Ethiopia is still in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a discrepancy in the dates and Ethiopia will welcome 2017 on September 11. This arises because they do not follow the Gregorian calendar and are 7-8 years behind&nbsp;other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/quishing-how-scammers-are-using-qr-code-trickery-to-heist-peoples-money-and-data-733661">Quishing: How scammers are using QR code trickery to steal people’s money and data</a></strong></p>

<h2>What calendar does Ethiopia follow?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ethiopia follows the Ge'ez calendar, which draws from the ancient Coptic calendar. This calendar has 13 months, 12 months of 30 days each and an intercalary month known as Pagumē, which usually has 5-6 days depending on whether it's a leap year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ethiopian Calendar begins on Meskerem 1, which according to the Gregorian calendar is September 11 in a non-leap year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |</strong>&nbsp;International Yoga Day: PM Modi leads celebrations, says world seeing new Yoga economy going forward</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-yoga-day-pm-modi-leads-celebrations-says-world-seeing-new-yoga-economy-going-forward-733800/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Ethiopian calendar lags behind the Gregorian one because of the difference in the computation of dates of the birth of Jesus Christ.</p>

<p>Pope Gregory XIII established the Gregorian calendar in 1582. This was derived from calculations by Dionysius Exiguus. On the other hand, the Ethiopian calendar relies on calculations from the Coptic Church (7 BC).&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why Ethiopians don't follow the Gregorian calendar like the rest of the world?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ethiopians don't follow the Gregorian calendar like the rest of the world because having their calendar is a sense of pride for them and an important part of their culture. Following the Ge'ez calendar sheds light on the fact that Ethiopia has succeeded in safeguarding its identity from globalisation and colonial influence.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/boss-time-rule-backfires-fines-himself-rs-1000-for-being-late-733584">Boss' time rule backfires: Fines himself Rs 1,000 for being late</a></strong></p>

<p>The Ethiopian and the Gregorian calendars coexist in social and business contexts, particularly in international and metropolitan settings. The calculations might confuse many, but Ethiopians have aced the navigation between the two calendars.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>New Year Celebrations in Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ethiopia welcomes the New Year on Meskerem 1, or September 11 for the rest of the world. The New Year celebration is called Enkutatash, which means 'gift of jewels' and marks the return of the Queen of Sheba from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Ethiopia is all set to celebrate the new year on September 11. However, while the rest of the world lives in 2024, Ethiopia is still in 2016. There is a discrepancy in the dates and Ethiopia will welcome 2017 on September 11.

Ethiopia is all set to celebrate the new year on September 11. However, while the rest of the world lives in 2024, Ethiopia is still in 2016. There is a discrepancy in the dates and Ethiopia will welcome 2017 on September 11. This arises because they do not follow the Gregorian calendar and are 7-8 years behind other countries. Also read | Quishing: How scammers are using QR code trickery to steal people’s money and data What calendar does Ethiopia follow? Ethiopia follows the Ge'ez calendar, which draws from the ancient Coptic calendar. This calendar has 13 months, 12 months of 30 days each and an intercalary month known as Pagumē, which usually has 5-6 days depending on whether it's a leap year. The Ethiopian Calendar begins on Meskerem 1, which according to the Gregorian calendar is September 11 in a non-leap year. Watch | International Yoga Day: PM Modi leads celebrations, says world seeing new Yoga economy going forward The Ethiopian calendar lags behind the Gregorian one because of the difference in the computation of dates of the birth of Jesus Christ. Pope Gregory XIII established the Gregorian calendar in 1582. This was derived from calculations by Dionysius Exiguus. On the other hand, the Ethiopian calendar relies on calculations from the Coptic Church (7 BC). Why Ethiopians don't follow the Gregorian calendar like the rest of the world? Ethiopians don't follow the Gregorian calendar like the rest of the world because having their calendar is a sense of pride for them and an important part of their culture. Following the Ge'ez calendar sheds light on the fact that Ethiopia has succeeded in safeguarding its identity from globalisation and colonial influence. Also read | Boss' time rule backfires: Fines himself Rs 1,000 for being late The Ethiopian and the Gregorian calendars coexist in social and business contexts, particularly in international and metropolitan settings. The calculations might confuse many, but Ethiopians have aced the navigation between the two calendars. New Year Celebrations in Ethiopia Ethiopia welcomes the New Year on Meskerem 1, or September 11 for the rest of the world. The New Year celebration is called Enkutatash, which means 'gift of jewels' and marks the return of the Queen of Sheba from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. (With inputs from agencies)

Seven years behind, a country will celebrate new year in September and usher in 2017

China's popular tourist destinations are filled with tourists immersing themselves the festive spirit of spring festival holiday to celebrate the 2024 Chinese New Year.

Chinese cities going all out to celebrate 2024 Chinese New Year

On Wings this week, look at how different cultures celebrate their new year. Find out about some traditionally unique festivals and how you can make the best of this holiday season with chilling and thrilling experiences. Only on WION, World Is One. WION Wings with Tor Johan Castell.

New Year traditions & Unique festivals around the world | WION Wings

Will 2024 be the year of crypto? Just 3 days into 2024, crypto currencies are beginning to soar. Bitcoin has surpassed $45,000 for the first time in 2 years. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | 2024 to be the year of crypto currency?

<p>Is time travel possible? Not yet! But a United Airlines flight offered to fly customers across time zones to let them enjoy the New Year celebrations twice within hours. “Time travel is real,” United Airlines wrote in a post on Instagram. “You only live once, but you can celebrate New Year’s Eve twice,” the airline had tweeted earlier in the week.</p>

<p>The concept behind the ‘time travel’ was simple. Flight UA200 was supposed to take off from Guam at 7:35 am on January 1 (Post New Year celebrations) and land in Honolulu, Hawaii at 6:50 pm on December 31, 2023, thus giving those on board the plane a chance to celebrate New Year's Eve festivities twice.</p>

<p>The concept is not new, and several airlines offer such ‘time travel flights’ on New Year’s Day every year. However, this year didn’t turn up so well for Flight UA200.</p>

<h2><strong>The New Year disappointment</strong></h2>

<p>Time is key for such ‘time travel’ flights as even a slight delay can spoil all those equations people strive to live through. This is exactly what happened with the Flight UA200.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-house-of-lords-guzzled-champagne-worth-113000-in-2023-675931"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;UK: House of Lords guzzled champagne worth $113,000 in 2023</strong></a></p>

<p>The flight got delayed by over six hours and eventually left Guam at 1:49 pm on January 1. By the time it arrived in Honolulu, the clock had already struck 12 midnight. The flight landed at 12:34 am on January 1, turning the excitement of celebrating New Year twice into 2024’s first major disappointment.</p>

<h2><strong>Complaints followed</strong></h2>

<p>Passengers took to X to raise complaints.</p>

<p>“Great idea, too bad it got delayed! I was supposed to be on this flight. Double new year isn’t happening anymore,” one person wrote under the original United Airlines tweet.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Scientists create 'identical twin' universe</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bird-flu-detected-in-antarctica-scientists-create-identical-twin-universe-trending-on-wion-651203/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“I booked this flight specifically so I could do this,” read another comment. “I got a delay notification and we aren’t scheduled to get in until 1/1."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Is time travel possible? Not yet! But a United Airlines flight offered to fly customers across time zones to let them enjoy the New Year celebrations twice within hours.

Is time travel possible? Not yet! But a United Airlines flight offered to fly customers across time zones to let them enjoy the New Year celebrations twice within hours. “Time travel is real,” United Airlines wrote in a post on Instagram. “You only live once, but you can celebrate New Year’s Eve twice,” the airline had tweeted earlier in the week. The concept behind the ‘time travel’ was simple. Flight UA200 was supposed to take off from Guam at 7:35 am on January 1 (Post New Year celebrations) and land in Honolulu, Hawaii at 6:50 pm on December 31, 2023, thus giving those on board the plane a chance to celebrate New Year's Eve festivities twice. The concept is not new, and several airlines offer such ‘time travel flights’ on New Year’s Day every year. However, this year didn’t turn up so well for Flight UA200. The New Year disappointment Time is key for such ‘time travel’ flights as even a slight delay can spoil all those equations people strive to live through. This is exactly what happened with the Flight UA200. Also read: UK: House of Lords guzzled champagne worth $113,000 in 2023 The flight got delayed by over six hours and eventually left Guam at 1:49 pm on January 1. By the time it arrived in Honolulu, the clock had already struck 12 midnight. The flight landed at 12:34 am on January 1, turning the excitement of celebrating New Year twice into 2024’s first major disappointment. Complaints followed Passengers took to X to raise complaints. “Great idea, too bad it got delayed! I was supposed to be on this flight. Double new year isn’t happening anymore,” one person wrote under the original United Airlines tweet. Watch: Scientists create 'identical twin' universe × “I booked this flight specifically so I could do this,” read another comment. “I got a delay notification and we aren’t scheduled to get in until 1/1." (With inputs from agencies)

They hoped to usher in the new year twice on this 'time travelling' flight. But it got delayed

Several more States here in the United States are implementing gun safety laws known as red flag laws. California, Illinois and Colorado mark the New Year by implementing extreme risk protection orders also known as red flag laws.

US: New gun safety laws will take effect in US

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidI5IceBUn4saK" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>As the world welcomed the year 2024 early Monday (Jan 1), certain countries and cities did not celebrate New Year due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to reports, Pakistan and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banned New Year celebrations. In Iraq, many Christians cancelled their festivities due to the conflict, a report by PBS Newshour said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Israel, seconds after ringing in the New Year on a lively street in Tel Aviv, some youngsters ran for cover while others kept the party going with a shrug as missile defence systems intercepted a barrage of rockets overhead. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for the missile strikes saying they had fired M90 rockets in "response to the massacres of civilians" carried out by Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>‘War will continue throughout 2024’</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli military confirmed the attack without initially reporting any casualties or damage.</p>

<p>The conflict started in early October last year and now the Israeli army has warned that its offensive against Hamas militants would continue throughout 2024. In a New Year's message, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari that some of the 300,000 army reservists would get a break from the war, in order to prepare for the "prolonged fighting" ahead.</p>

<p>The army "must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year," Hagari said.</p>

<h2><strong>The rest of the world welcomes New Year&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While certain countries did not celebrate New Year due to the Gaza war, others welcomed 2024 with fireworks, and music with hopes of new beginnings and a peaceful year ahead. Fireworks illuminated skies over the United States, India, France, Brazil, Australia and other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the US, thousands of visitors lined up to watch the annual dropping of a giant illuminated ball in Times Square in New York City. AFP reported that in Manhattan, police were towing suspicious cars, monitoring pro-Palestinian protesters who have taken to the city's streets several times since the Gaza war started.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Australia, over a million partygoers packed in around the harbour in Sydney, the self-proclaimed "New Year's capital of the world," to watch eight tonnes of fireworks.</p>

<p>In Denmark, popular Queen Margrethe II, Europe's longest-serving monarch, chose her New Year's Eve address to announce her coming abdication.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the world welcomed the year 2024 early Monday (Jan 1), certain countries and cities did not celebrate New Year due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the world welcomed the year 2024 early Monday (Jan 1), certain countries and cities did not celebrate New Year due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to reports, Pakistan and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banned New Year celebrations. In Iraq, many Christians cancelled their festivities due to the conflict, a report by PBS Newshour said. In Israel, seconds after ringing in the New Year on a lively street in Tel Aviv, some youngsters ran for cover while others kept the party going with a shrug as missile defence systems intercepted a barrage of rockets overhead. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for the missile strikes saying they had fired M90 rockets in "response to the massacres of civilians" carried out by Israel. ‘War will continue throughout 2024’ The Israeli military confirmed the attack without initially reporting any casualties or damage. The conflict started in early October last year and now the Israeli army has warned that its offensive against Hamas militants would continue throughout 2024. In a New Year's message, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari that some of the 300,000 army reservists would get a break from the war, in order to prepare for the "prolonged fighting" ahead. The army "must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year," Hagari said. The rest of the world welcomes New Year While certain countries did not celebrate New Year due to the Gaza war, others welcomed 2024 with fireworks, and music with hopes of new beginnings and a peaceful year ahead. Fireworks illuminated skies over the United States, India, France, Brazil, Australia and other countries. In the US, thousands of visitors lined up to watch the annual dropping of a giant illuminated ball in Times Square in New York City. AFP reported that in Manhattan, police were towing suspicious cars, monitoring pro-Palestinian protesters who have taken to the city's streets several times since the Gaza war started. In Australia, over a million partygoers packed in around the harbour in Sydney, the self-proclaimed "New Year's capital of the world," to watch eight tonnes of fireworks. In Denmark, popular Queen Margrethe II, Europe's longest-serving monarch, chose her New Year's Eve address to announce her coming abdication. (With inputs from agencies)

These countries cancelled New Year celebrations due to Gaza war

Take a look at a North Sea swim with a challenging difference. Over 10,000 people take a dive into freezing water, upholding an age-old tradition despite icy temperatures.

Netherlands: People take icy dip in freezing waters of North Sea

In Pics | World welcomes 2024 with enthusiasm and hope

<p>For the first time in the history of Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area. The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir had organised a musical event at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower area).</p>

<p>Hundreds of people gathered at the clock tower to participate in the New Year celebrations.</p>

<p>The locals as well as the tourists visiting Kashmir Valley attended the function and were extremely excited about the celebrations being held&nbsp;at the very famous clock tower in Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am extremely excited to be here today. I had heard about these celebrations being held at the clock tower in Srinagar and I asked my father to take me here so that I can witness the celebration and bring in New Year from here. Lal Chowk has never seen these scenes before and being a part of the celebrations makes me feel lucky. I also like the lighting and decorations that have been done across the Srinagar city, especially Lal Chowk, which is completely changed after being converted into a smart city,” said Hibba, a local.</p>

<p>Tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg are completely sold out and all the hotels and guest houses are fully booked. The start of the New Year for Kashmir has been better than last year. The year 2023 broke all the previous records of tourist arrivals in the Kashmir Valley and now the government hopes that 2024 brings in more tourists as compared to 2023.</p>

<p>"We wanted to be in Kashmir on New Year. We wanted to experience the and now seeing celebrations being held in Srinagar‘s Ghanta area. We are super excited. We have already been to Gulmarg Pahalgam and Sonamarg and we are planning to go to some other places as well. We are enjoying our trip to Kashmir Valley and ask others to come to Kashmir once as well, we are hoping that we get to see the snowfall during our stay in the valley and we want to wish everybody across the country a very happy New Year," said Ashish, a tourist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Department of Tourism has organised many celebratory functions on the eve of New Year&nbsp;across the Kashmir Valley. The key resort Gulmarg will have performers coming from across India to celebrate the New Year. Other resorts like Pahalgam and Sonamarg Have also organised many celebratory functions.</p>


For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area. The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir had organised a musical event at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower area).

For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area. The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir had organised a musical event at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower area). Hundreds of people gathered at the clock tower to participate in the New Year celebrations. The locals as well as the tourists visiting Kashmir Valley attended the function and were extremely excited about the celebrations being held at the very famous clock tower in Srinagar. "I am extremely excited to be here today. I had heard about these celebrations being held at the clock tower in Srinagar and I asked my father to take me here so that I can witness the celebration and bring in New Year from here. Lal Chowk has never seen these scenes before and being a part of the celebrations makes me feel lucky. I also like the lighting and decorations that have been done across the Srinagar city, especially Lal Chowk, which is completely changed after being converted into a smart city,” said Hibba, a local. Tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg are completely sold out and all the hotels and guest houses are fully booked. The start of the New Year for Kashmir has been better than last year. The year 2023 broke all the previous records of tourist arrivals in the Kashmir Valley and now the government hopes that 2024 brings in more tourists as compared to 2023. "We wanted to be in Kashmir on New Year. We wanted to experience the and now seeing celebrations being held in Srinagar‘s Ghanta area. We are super excited. We have already been to Gulmarg Pahalgam and Sonamarg and we are planning to go to some other places as well. We are enjoying our trip to Kashmir Valley and ask others to come to Kashmir once as well, we are hoping that we get to see the snowfall during our stay in the valley and we want to wish everybody across the country a very happy New Year," said Ashish, a tourist. The Department of Tourism has organised many celebratory functions on the eve of New Year across the Kashmir Valley. The key resort Gulmarg will have performers coming from across India to celebrate the New Year. Other resorts like Pahalgam and Sonamarg Have also organised many celebratory functions.

In a first, Srinagar's Ghanta Ghar welcomes 2024 with New Year eve celebrations

new-year

New Year, News on New Year, stories on New Year, articles on New Year, New Year stories at Wion, New Year news, New Year latest news