admin 
New Delhi, January 1: As New Year 2026 began, devotees across India chose faith and prayer to mark the occasion. From temples to holy rivers, large crowds gathered early on Wednesday to seek blessings for peace, health and prosperity.
Vaishno Devi and Golden Temple Witness Heavy Footfall
In Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, thousands of devotees visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. Many pilgrims described the journey as spiritually fulfilling. According to them, beginning the year with devotion brought hope and positivity.
Meanwhile, in Punjab’s Amritsar, devotees thronged the Shri Harmandir Sahib. The traditional Prabhat Pheri was held in the early hours of the morning. As a result, the Golden Temple complex remained filled with hymns and prayers.
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh See Massive Devotion
In the national capital, worshippers visited prominent temples, including the Jhandewalan Temple and the Sai Baba Temple at Lodhi Road. They offered prayers for harmony and success in the coming year.
Similarly, Uttar Pradesh emerged as a major spiritual centre on New Year’s Day. Large crowds gathered at the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
Additionally, in Prayagraj, devotees welcomed the new year with a holy dip in the Ganga river. Many believed the ritual would bring purity and positive energy.
Haridwar, Eastern and Southern India Join in Celebrations
In Uttarakhand, pilgrims and tourists reached Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. They took a ritual dip in the Ganges amid chants and prayers. Families said the experience helped children connect with cultural roots.
At the same time, eastern India witnessed strong religious participation. Devotees visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. In Assam, large numbers gathered at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.
Moreover, in Telangana, worshippers offered prayers at the Hanuman Temple in Chikkadpalli, Hyderabad, marking the new year with devotion.
A Spiritually United Start to 2026
Overall, the first day of 2026 reflected India’s deep spiritual traditions. Across regions, people chose prayer over celebration. As a result, the country witnessed a calm, faith-driven beginning to the new year.
About The Author
