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New Year 2026 Begins with Pilgrims Thronging Himachal's Sacred Temples

Devotees from across North India gathered at prominent temples like Naina Devi and Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh to welcome the New Year with prayers and gratitude. Authorities anticipate daily crowds of 15,000-20,000 visitors through the weekend, with enhanced security measures in place. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu reflected on 2025 as a year of development despite disasters, reaffirming the government's commitment to welfare and the fight against narcotics. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasized hopes for peace and prosperity, calling on youth to foster a drug-free and socially responsible state.

Key Points: New Year Blessings: Devotees Flock to Himachal Temples

  • Major pilgrim rush at hill shrines
  • Security heightened for crowds
  • CM highlights 2025 development amid challenges
  • Governor urges youth for drug-free society
2 min read

Devotees throng Himachal temples to seek New Year blessings

Thousands seek blessings at Naina Devi, Chintpurni & other Himachal shrines on New Year 2026. State leaders extend wishes & highlight anti-drug resolve.

"We are expecting a daily arrival of 15,000 to 20,000 devotees till this weekend. - Temple Official"

Shimla, Jan 1

A large number of devotees assembled in different parts of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, the first day of 2026, to express gratitude for the past and seek blessings for the future.

One of the busiest shrines in North India, the hilltop Naina Devi temple in the Bilaspur district saw a majority of pilgrims from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, according to temple officials.

The popular shrines of Chintpurni in Una district and Jwalaji and Brajeshwari Devi temples in Kangra district witnessed a huge rush.

"We are expecting a daily arrival of 15,000 to 20,000 devotees till this weekend," an official at the Naina Devi shrine told IANS over the phone.

Meanwhile, security has been increased to manage the crowds at all prominent shrines, a senior police official told IANS here.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu have extended best wishes to the people.

The Chief Minister hoped the New Year would bring abundant happiness to everyone and serve as a symbol of renewed aspirations, fresh resolutions, and positive energy. He said the people of the state have stood shoulder to shoulder with the government while facing challenges. The state faced several disasters in 2025, but even then it was a year of development and achievements during which new benchmarks were set in the fields of education, health, agriculture and infrastructure from its own resources, besides the resolve and firm commitment of the government to eradicate "chitta", a chemical narcotic, he said.

CM Sukhu assured that the government would continue to stand firmly for the welfare of the people and the fight for the overall interests of the state in the future as well.

In his message, the Governor hoped the New Year would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to every household and usher in new opportunities for progress and development.

He said the New Year "is a time for renewal of hope, positive thinking and collective resolve to build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive society".

He urged residents, especially the youth, to adopt values of discipline, compassion and social responsibility and contribute actively towards a drug-free, healthy and prosperous state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the government acknowledging the challenges of 2025, especially the disasters. Hope the new year brings stability and better disaster management plans. The focus on eradicating 'chitta' is crucial for our youth.
A
Aman W
20,000 devotees daily! The local administration and temple committees have a huge task managing this. I hope the increased security also ensures cleanliness and proper facilities like drinking water and toilets. Often these get overlooked in the rush.
S
Sarah B
The message from the leaders is positive, but I hope it translates into action. "Renewed aspirations" need concrete policies for employment and healthcare. Wishing all the devotees a safe and blessed journey.
V
Vikram M
Himachal's temples are not just spiritual centers but also major drivers for local economy - hotels, shops, taxi drivers. This New Year rush is a good sign for tourism recovery after a tough year. May the state prosper! 🏔️
K
Kriti O
The Governor's emphasis on a drug-free state is so important. Starting the year with prayers and a resolve for a healthy society is the right spirit. Let's all do our part. Happy New Year to everyone in Himachal and beyond!

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