Devotees throng places of worship for blessings on year’s first day
Times of India | 2 January 2025
12 Kolkata: Citizens welcomed the new year with prayers, hope, and celebration as thousands thronged places of worship. From the early hours of the morning, temples, churches, and shrines of various faiths welcomed devotees seeking blessings for peace and guidance for the year ahead. Religious figures called for an end to suffering and conflict.
"As we step into this new year, let us offer our heartfelt prayers to the Almighty.New Year Special30+ New Year 2025 wishes, quotes to share with your loved onesUnbelievable! 2025's most powerful zodiac predictions are hereNumerology 1-9: What the numbers hold for us next yearMay His blessings shower upon all of us, bringing peace, joy, and prosperity to Kolkata and the world. Let us strive to be beacons of hope, love, and compassion, and work towards a brighter future for all," said Reverend Pradip Kumar Nanda of St John's Church in his special prayer on the morning of Jan 1.
Sermons at churches emphasised harmony and amity among communities. "We are blessed to have experienced His love, kindness, and guidance throughout the past year and always. The world faces numerous challenges, and many are enduring hardship. Let us unite, overcome our divisions, and embrace the teachings of God," said Reverend Father Biswajit Biswas of St Mary's Church on Elgin Road.
At the Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples, queues started forming well before dawn. Families who came from far-off places offered prayers before heading to Alipore zoo, Indian Museum, and Victoria Memorial. "We arrived at 7 am and were able to offer prayers by 9.30 am. We sought blessings and guidance in the new year. We plan to spend the entire day at Alipore zoo with the entire family," said Arijit Das, who came with his family from Kamalghazi.
The administration and management of the shrines made adequate arrangements for a smooth experience for the devotees. Most churches had a special prayer service for worshippers in the morning.
"For many, the first day of the year is traditionally an opportunity for spiritual renewal. They visit the temple to express gratitude for the year gone by and seek divine intervention for the challenges ahead," said an official of Dakshineswar Temple.
Some of the mazars and gurdwaras in the city also saw a large number of devotees coming in to offer prayers.