New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: As India welcomed the New Year with vibrant celebrations, prayers, and fireworks, top leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended heartfelt greetings, emphasising renewal, collective progress, and societal harmony.
President Droupadi Murmu, in her official message shared via the Rashtrapati Bhavan account on X, described the New Year as a symbol of “renewed energy, positive change, and an opportunity of self-reflection and fresh resolutions.” She extended heartiest greetings to all Indians at home and abroad, hoping that 2026 would bring peace, happiness, and prosperity while infusing new energy to build a stronger and more prosperous India.
She also called for strengthened commitment to national development, social harmony, and environmental protection.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to wish the nation a “wonderful 2026,” praying for good health, prosperity, success in endeavours, and fulfillments in all pursuits. “May the year ahead bring good health and prosperity, with success in your efforts and fulfilment in all that you do. Praying for peace and happiness in our society,” he posted.
CM Majhi conveyed warm New Year wishes, urging citizens to embrace
fresh resolutions and work unitedly toward a strong and prosperous Odisha. He emphasises on unity, commitment to development, and collective progress for the state.
Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik also conveyed his warm New Year 2026 greetings to the people of the state. “Jai Jagannath. My greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of the New Year 2026. By the immense grace of Lord Jagannath, may the New Year bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone’s life.”
People throng temples on New Year
People in Odisha welcomed the New Year 2026 with a blend of spiritual devotion and restrained celebrations. Thousands flocked to prominent temples across the state from the early hours of January 1 to seek divine blessings for prosperity and peace in the year ahead.
The holy coastal town of Puri has been witnessing a huge rush of pilgrims from within the state and from outside since New Year eve. The temple administration opened its doors at 2 am following the Dwaraphita ritual to accommodate the influx.
Reports indicate an expected footfall of 3 to 5 lakh visitors over New Year’s Eve and New Year day, with enhanced security measures including 70 police platoons, CCTV surveillance, and traffic advisories ensuring smooth darshan. Similar enthusiastic gatherings were witnessed at Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, where devotees thronged the 11th-century shrine to offer prayers to the presiding deity.
Popular picnic areas and tourist attractions across the state also experienced a massive surge in visitors on the first day of 2026, with families and friends flocking to make the most of the mild winter conditions and public holiday.