by India Welcomes New Year 2026 with Faith, Festivity and Hope
The New Year 2026 was welcomed across several Indian states with devotion, celebration and renewed optimism, as people marked the occasion in their own unique cultural and spiritual ways.
In Odisha, the New Year began on a deeply religious note. Since early morning, lakhs of devotees gathered at major temples to seek blessings for the year ahead. The holy city of Puri witnessed an overwhelming turnout as devotees thronged the Shree Jagannath Temple for darshan of Lord Jagannath. According to Akashvani correspondent reports, special crowd management measures were put in place, with entry allowed only through the Singha Dwar and darshan conducted from the Bahara Katha to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims.
Large crowds were also seen at prominent shrines such as the Sri Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur, along with several other temples across the state. Picnic spots and popular tourist destinations in Odisha witnessed a huge influx of visitors on the first day of the year. Authorities deployed elaborate security arrangements at temples, tourist locations and public gathering spots to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi imposed a strict ban on New Year celebrations, parties, feasts and presentation of flower bouquets within state government office premises. He also directed the newly appointed Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who assumed charge today, to implement a 15-point charter aimed at transforming Odisha into one of the top five states in the country.
In Himachal Pradesh, New Year celebrations remained lively despite the biting cold. A large number of domestic and foreign tourists flocked to popular hill destinations such as Shimla and Manali. Light snowfall in some higher reaches added to the festive cheer, with tourists enjoying snow near the Atal Tunnel Rohtang and surrounding areas. Winter carnivals in Shimla and the Kangra Valley highlighted Himachali culture, cuisine and handicrafts. The Meteorological Department has forecast rain and light snowfall in the next 24 hours.
In Nagaland, the New Year was welcomed with prayers and community gatherings. Churches across the state held special thanksgiving services, while families and friends participated in night-long vigils, bonfires and fireworks. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended New Year greetings, wishing the people good health, peace and a year filled with hope, progress and meaningful achievements.
Across the country, the arrival of 2026 reflected unity in diversity, blending faith, festivity and aspirations for a brighter future.
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