The renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand art extending New Year greetings on Thursday in Puri. The sand art featured 'Welcome 2026. Happy New Year.'
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Thursday visited the Tara Devi Temple in Shimla on the first day of the New Year, where he offered prayers and sought blessings from the Goddess Tara Mata for his New Year resolutions and commitments.
BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin on Thursday visited the Ramakrishna Ashram in New Delhi and offered prayers, calling on everyone to contribute meaningfully to the country's development.
beginning of 2026, many tourists and residents visited the revered Jakhu Hanuman Temple, located atop the Jakhu Hills in Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Punjab's Amritsar also saw large gatherings as devotees offered prayers and witnessed the traditional 'Prabhat Pheri' at the Shri Harmandir Sahib on the first day of the year.
The members of the India women's cricket team, who lifted the ICC World Cup 2025 title, attended the Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and offered prayers on the occasion of the New Year 2026.
"I wish everyone a happy New Year. I have come here to pray that 2026 proves to be a happy one for Punjab. I have come to pray for peace, prosperity, and brotherhood in the state," Badal told reporters.
Fireworks lit up the night sky, and streets buzzed with celebrations as people across India welcomed the New Year 2026 with enthusiasm, prayers and public gatherings. From Delhi to Bengaluru and Amritsar, the arrival of the New Year was marked with joy and music.