As glasses are raised and fireworks explode into the sky, it’s important to recognize the special symbolism that the New Year brings. The New Year begins when the clock strikes 12 at midnight. But, interestingly people do not celebrate it exactly at the same time. People from all the four corners of the world celebrate New Year's Eve in distinct time zones. Even though the countdown to the New Year starts just before midnight across the world, not everybody is ringing in the New Year at the same time. New Year 2022 Quotes & Wishes: WhatsApp Messages & Stickers, GIF Images, SMS, Facebook Status & Cover Photos To Send Happy New Year Greetings Online.

Which Country Celebrates New Year First?

The easternmost islands of Oceania will be the first to welcome the new year at midnight. The small Pacific island nations of Tonga, Samoa, and Kiribati are the first countries to welcome New Year, where January 1 begins at 10 am GMT or 3:30 pm IST on December 31. New Zealand follows next in celebrating the New Year, followed by Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

Breakdown Of Who Will Greet The New Year First And Last According To Indian Standard Time (IST)

  • On December 31 at 3:30 pm IST, Tonga Samoa and Christmas Island/ Kiribati will ring in the New Year first. Then at 3:45 pm in the Chatham Islands.

  • At 4:30 PM- New Zealand

  • At 5:30 PM- Russia

  • At 6:30 PM -Australia's Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Honiara

  • At 7 PM-Adelaide, Broken Hill, Ceduna

  • At 7:30 PM-Brisbane, Port Moresby, Hagatna

  • At 8 PM-Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek

  • At 8:30 PM -Japan and South Korea in Tokyo, Seoul, Pyongyang, Dili, Ngerulmud

  • At 9:30 PM-China and the Philippines

  • At 10:30 PM-Indonesia and Thailand

  • At 11 PM -Myanmar

  • At 11:30 PM- Bangladesh

  • At 11:45 PM -Nepal's Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Dharan

  • At 12:00 AM -India and Sri Lanka

  • At 12:30 AM -January 1 IST Pakistan

  • At 1 AM-Afghanistan

  • This will be followed by Azerbaijan, Iran, Moscow, Greece, and Germany

  • At 5:30 AM IST, January 1, the United Kingdom will welcome the New Year

  • This will be followed by Brazil and Newfoundland

  • From 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM Indian time, Canada and followed by the USA will ring in the New Year

  • This will be followed by Marquesas Islands, American Samoa and in the end, at 5:50 PM Indian Time, outlying Island - Baker Island would ring in the New Year!

Are you excited to ring in the New Year 2022? Keep your head and hopes high as we all get ready to welcome another new year. One would hope the coming year brings in peace and prosperity for everyone. Most importantly, keep everyone hale and hearty. Let the families, friends and loved ones always enjoy each others' company. Wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2022!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2021 11:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).