Why Are Devotees Braving the Cold at the Golden Temple for the New Year?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On New Year's Day, numerous devotees braved the cold to gather at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and nearby shrines, seeking blessings for the year ahead. Governors and local leaders shared messages of hope, urging a collective commitment to peace and prosperity.
Key Takeaways
- Devotees braved the cold to gather at the Golden Temple.
- The event highlights the spiritual significance of the New Year.
- Local leaders shared messages of hope and unity.
- Many were seen taking a dip in the holy sarovar.
- Health and prosperity were common themes in New Year wishes.
Chandigarh/Amritsar, Jan 1 (NationPress) Defying the frigid temperatures, numerous devotees flocked to the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab, along with various other local shrines, early Thursday to welcome the New Year.
At the Golden Temple, located approximately 250 km from Chandigarh, devotees began forming queues at midnight to partake in prayers. The morning saw long lines of individuals patiently waiting for their chance to enter the Harmandir Sahib, the revered sanctum sanctorum.
Many devotees were observed taking a ceremonial dip in the sacred sarovar at the Golden Temple. “Offering prayers on the first day of the New Year is a true blessing. May 2026 bring answered prayers and fulfilled ambitions,” expressed Kavita Gupta, a devotee from Delhi.
Additionally, the Mata Mansa Devi shrine in Panchkula near Chandigarh witnessed a large gathering of people offering their prayers as well.
Across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, worshippers visited various shrines to commemorate the arrival of the New Year.
Gulab Chand Kataria, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, extended warm New Year greetings to the residents of Punjab and Chandigarh.
In his message, the Governor highlighted that the New Year brings renewed hope, optimism, and aspirations, which can only be achieved through collective commitment, determination, and dedication.
On this festive occasion, Kataria encouraged the populace to recommit to building a robust, peaceful, and united India, emphasizing the need to work towards the nation's progress and prosperity.
He conveyed heartfelt wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to everyone.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan also shared greetings, expressing hope that the Almighty fulfills the dreams of Punjabis in 2026. He prayed for happiness, peace, success, and prosperity for all Punjabis globally, advocating adherence to the path of Guru Sahib.
He urged individuals to incorporate regular exercise into their lives for better health.
In a New Year message, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann prayed for the Almighty to fill lives with joy and success. In a post on X, he remarked that last year, his government enhanced health services, provided quality education for children, and created job opportunities for youth.
“We took decisive actions against issues like drugs and corruption tarnishing Punjab's image,” he added, promising that development efforts would continue.
Point of View
The gathering of devotees at the Golden Temple highlights the resilience and faith of people in Punjab. This event underscores the spiritual significance of the New Year, providing a moment for reflection, hope, and community. The warm wishes from local leaders resonate with aspirations for a prosperous future, emphasizing unity and collective progress.
NationPress
02/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do devotees visit the Golden Temple on New Year's Day?
Devotees visit the Golden Temple on New Year's Day to seek blessings and express gratitude, marking the start of the year with spiritual significance.
What other shrines do people visit during this time?
In addition to the Golden Temple, many devotees also visit the Mata Mansa Devi shrine and various other temples across Punjab and Haryana.
What messages did local leaders convey for the New Year?
Local leaders, including the Governor and Chief Minister, emphasized hope, unity, and the importance of collective efforts for a prosperous future.
How do devotees feel about offering prayers at the Golden Temple?
Many devotees express feelings of blessing and fulfillment when offering prayers at the Golden Temple, especially on New Year's Day.
What health advice was given during the New Year celebrations?
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan urged people to incorporate regular exercise into their lives for better health.
