Devotion triumphed over the winter chill as millions of devotees flocked to shrines across India to seek blessings on the first day of 2026. From the historic temples of Delhi to the coastal spiritual hubs of Mumbai, the New Year began with a resonant echo of prayers for prosperity.
In Ujjain, the year commenced with a spectacular Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, while thousands gathered for the Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath. Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple saw massive queues starting from midnight, with the trust deploying extra security to manage the surge.
Meanwhile, in the capital, the Jhandewalan and Kalkaji temples were packed with families offering prayers to Goddess Durga. Despite the dense fog and plummeting temperatures, the spirit of faith remained unbroken, as citizens prioritized spiritual beginnings over celebrations to welcome the year ahead.