As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, ushering in the year 2026, Mumbai's historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) witnessed a celebration that was both powerful and uniquely its own. Instead of fireworks, the air reverberated with the thunderous, synchronized blast of multiple train horns, marking a cherished local ritual that has captured the nation's imagination.
A Historic Station's Unique Midnight Chorus
The moments leading up to the New Year were electric at the bustling CSMT. Crowds of travellers and railway staff gathered, their eyes fixed on the station clock. At precisely 12:00 AM on January 1, 2026, the silence was shattered by a deafening chorus of train horns, a tradition that transforms the functional sound of the railways into a symbol of collective joy and new beginnings.
Videos of the event, recorded on countless smartphones, quickly flooded social media platforms. The clips show passengers pausing their journeys, breaking into applause and cheers, their faces lit up with smiles as the horns echoed through the grand arches of the historic terminal. The scene was not just a spontaneous celebration but a deeply ingrained part of the city's cultural fabric.
Central Railway Captures and Shares the Moment
Recognizing the significance of the event, the Central Railway officially documented and shared the celebration with the world. The railway's official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a video of the midnight moment with the caption: "Central Railway celebrates New Year at CSMT with customary horns at 00.00 of 1 January 2026. Happy New Year and Safe Journey Ahead to all."
This official endorsement highlighted how a public utility embraced a moment of pure public emotion, turning a transit hub into a venue for a massive, impromptu party.
Social Media Erupts with Emotion and Nostalgia
The viral clips sparked an outpouring of reactions online, with netizens expressing everything from joy to nostalgic longing. Instagram user Mumbai Rohit Prasad, who reposted the video, called it an emotion that beats in every Mumbaikar's heart. His sentiment resonated widely, with many agreeing that the tradition was more than just noise—it was a shared experience.
Social media comments reflected a spectrum of responses:
- Many praised the ingenuity of finding celebration in everyday spaces: "Glad to see how people find ways to celebrate in their own ways," one user noted.
- Others expressed playful FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), with one comment reading, "Are you telling me I missed the most amazing New Year party."
- A more reflective take came from those observing modern habits: "Instead of enjoying the moment, people be like… I will record it and enjoy it later watching it on a screen."
The overwhelming response underscored how this simple, loud tradition at CSMT managed to cut through the noise of typical New Year's Eve galas, offering a raw, authentic, and distinctly Mumbai-style welcome to 2026. It served as a powerful reminder that celebration can be found in community and shared rituals, even in the most unexpected of places.
