Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: As 2024 draws to a close, thousands of devotees in Odisha ushered in the New Year with deep devotion and enthusiasm, gathering at temples and ghats across the state to offer prayers and seek blessings. The air was filled with the sound of conch shells and the ringing of temple bells, marking the beginning of 2025 with spiritual vibrancy.
At the iconic Srimandir in Puri, the epicenter of New Year celebrations, throngs of devotees made their way to the 12th-century shrine to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. The Grand Road, leading to the temple, was packed with pilgrims, all eager for a glimpse of the Holy Trinity. To facilitate smooth darshan, the temple authorities conducted the ‘dwara phita’ ritual at 12:30 amkfollowed by the opening of the temple gates for the devotees.
In the state capital, Bhubaneswar, a large number of worshippers flocked to the Lingaraj Temple on the first day of the year. Devotees offered prayers, hoping for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.
Similarly, Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatgaon witnessed a huge turnout as devotees from across Odisha gathered to seek the goddess’s blessings. The New Year celebrations at these sacred sites reflected a sense of unity and spiritual fervor, as people from all walks of life came together to mark the occasion with faith and devotion.
With the dawn of 2025, Odisha's temples became a focal point of devotion and hope, offering a sense of renewal and spiritual connection as the year began.
