Temples, churches, mazars unite for prayers for a prosperous 2025
Times of India | 31 December 2024
123456 Kolkata: Places of worship across all faiths, which receive thousands of visitors on the first day of the year, are preparing to usher in the New Year with special sermons, prayer services, and illumination. Some temples, dargahs, and churches register record footfall, with queues forming since early morning as devotees throng with friends and families to seek blessings and pray for a prosperous year ahead.
Almost all the churches in the city have special prayer services scheduled in the morning. At St John's Church on Council House Street, the service will start at 8.30 am. Reverend Pradip Kumar Nanda will lead a special prayer service ushering in the New Year. "There will be a special service in the morning. The tradition of visiting church to pray and seek blessings from elders is an old one," said Rangan Dutta, the church officer.
Many people request prayers for their loved ones and bring their children for blessings. Reverend Father Biswajit Biswas of St Mary's Church on Elgin Road will hold a special service remembering the less fortunate and urging the congregation to ‘cultivate peace within ourselves.'
"As we step into this New Year, let us resolve to cultivate peace within ourselves and spread it to the world around us. Let us strive to lead lives of compassion and kindness, remembering the less fortunate among us. May this year be one of joy, prosperity, and service to humanity," said Reverend Biswas. Duff Church in Manicktala will receive thousands of visitors throughout the day on Jan 1.
Devotees start reaching Dakshineswar Temple, Kalighat Temple, Cossipore Udyanbati, and other places of worship even before sunrise. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure people don't have to wait for long. Volunteers have also been deployed to assist the devotees. "Thousands of people come from far-flung places and bring their family and friends as well. It is considered auspicious to start the year by offering prayers here," said a spokesperson for Dakshineswar Temple.
Many people visit mazars on Jan 1 and offer prayers for their wish to be granted in the New Year. "If their wish is granted, they return to the mazar with offerings and offer food to the poor," said a cleric at a mazar in Khidderpore. Many gurdwaras, Buddhist, and Chinese temples also witness a beeline of devotees since morning on Jan 1.
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