Telangana ushered in 2026 with grand celebrations and revelry at apartment complexes, hotels and clubs amid tight security arrangements by police. New Year parties were organised late into the night at residential complexes and also public spaces here with loud music.

Many people also visited temples on Thursday morning on the occasion of the New Year. Thousands visited the Birla Mandir. In localities, women and kids decorated their courtyards with rangoli. The air was filled with festive fervour as all greeted each-other with hugs and exchanged sweets.

The Lord Venkateswara temple at Himayat Nagar and Goddess Bhadrakali temple in Warangal witnessed heavy rush of devotees.

Fireworks lit up the sky at several locations. Tank Bund, Durgam Cheruvu and Necklace Road were full with people making merry, the cold notwithstanding. 

Private parties are becoming popular and many families spend the New Year’s eve on rooftops and make-shift shamianas. Those who woke up early were greeted with dense fog in several parts of the city which was prevalent till 9 a.m. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), moisture had built up close to the ground, leading to reduced visibility during the early morning hours.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and High Court Chief Justice A K Singh and conveyed New Year wishes. Meanwhile, as many as 2,731 people were booked for driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol during the special drive against drunk driving taken up on the eve of New Year under Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits. Police said incident-free New Year celebrations were held in the three Commissionerates.