Odisha welcomes New Year 2026 with faith, fervour and fresh resolve

Odisha ushered in the New Year 2026 with deep-rooted faith, festive fervour and heightened security, as thousands of people stepped out early in the morning to offer prayers and welcome the first sunrise of the year with hope and optimism.

Temples and other religious institutions witnessed a steady stream of devotees from the early hours, marking the transition from 2025 to 2026 with traditional rituals and spiritual observances. 

People exchanged New Year greetings with family and friends, while social media platforms and smartphones buzzed with messages of goodwill, reflecting the changing yet connected nature of celebrations.

Puri emerges as the epicentre of New Year devotion

The holy town of Puri remained the focal point of New Year celebrations in Odisha, with lakhs of devotees gathering to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings. The Shree Jagannath Temple opened its gates for devotees at 2 am, enabling pilgrims to begin the year with Jagannath darshan and witness the year’s first sunrise after prayers.

To manage the massive influx, temple authorities allowed entry only through the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate), while darshan was permitted from ‘Bahara Katha’. In view of the heavy turnout, the administration set up temporary counters for mobile phones and footwear along the Bada Danda to facilitate devotees.

Tight security across temple town

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place across Puri. From Atharanala to the sea beach, strict surveillance was maintained to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists. As many as 70 platoons of police force were deployed across the city, while traffic and crowd management measures were intensified throughout the day.

Senior officials monitored the situation on the ground to prevent overcrowding and ensure the smooth movement of devotees. The disciplined conduct of pilgrims and coordinated efforts of the administration helped maintain order during the high-footfall period.

Also Read: Puri upgraded to municipal corporation; 4 towns declared NACs

As Odisha stepped into 2026, the New Year unfolded with prayers, peace, and promise, as devotees placed their faith in Lord Jagannath and citizens embraced fresh resolutions and renewed aspirations for the year ahead.