In Odisha, people welcomed the new year 2026 with much fanfare across the state. Since early this morning, devotees have been gathering in large numbers at major temples to seek blessings from the deities for the new year. Lakhs of devotees thronged the holy city of Puri to usher in the new year with the darshan of Lord Jagannath.
Akashvani correspondent reports, Lakhs of devotees have gathered in the holy city of Puri to begin the new year 2026 with a holy darshan of Lord Jagannath since morning.
To manage the massive crowd, entry is being regulated exclusively through the ‘Singha Dwar’, while darshan inside the temple is conducted from the ‘Bahara Katha’.
Huge crowds are also being seen at the Sri Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur and other prominent shrines of the state.
Picnic spots and tourist destinations are witnessing a huge influx of visitors on the first day of the year. Elaborate security arrangements have been made at major temples, tourist places, and picnic spots.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi has strictly prohibited new year celebrations, presentation of flower bouquets, parties and feasts within state government office premises.
He has also directed Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who took charge from today, to implement a 15-point charter prepared by him to make Odisha one of the top five states of the country.
Meanwhile, A large number of tourists have arrived at various tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
The State government has made extensive arrangements for the safety and convenience of visitors. Light snowfall occurred in some higher reaches of the state last night, and the Meteorological Department has forecast rain and light snowfall in the next 24 hours.
Akashvani correspondent reports, despite the biting cold, New Year celebrations across Himachal Pradesh turned vibrant as a large number of domestic and foreign tourists thronged popular destinations.
The state government and local administration have ensured elaborate arrangements for the safety, convenience, and entertainment of visitors, while winter carnivals in Shimla and Kangra Valley are showcasing Himachali culture, cuisine, and handicrafts.
A light spell of snowfall in the higher reaches this morning added cheer to the celebrations, with tourists enjoying the snow around Atal Tunnel Rohtang and nearby high-altitude areas.
The Met Department has forecast rain and light snowfall in the higher and mid-hill regions over the next 24 hours, while tourists in Shimla and Manali are eagerly hoping for the season’s first snowfall.
Nagaland joined the rest of the world in welcoming 2026 with renewed hope and joy. On New Year’s Eve, churches across the state held special thanksgiving services, where people gathered for reflection, singing, and a shared sense of community.
Families and friends also came together for night-long vigils, bonfire and fireworks. As the clock struck midnight, colourful fireworks lit up the skies, accompanied by loud cheers and the exchange of Happy New Year wishes across the towns and villages.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has extended New Year greetings to the people of the State. The Chief Minister wished the citizens good health, peace, and renewed hope.
He expressed confidence that the year ahead will open new possibilities and be marked by progress and meaningful achievements and wished everyone a year filled with purpose and blessings.
