1 / 11As the New Year approaches, countless devotees throughout India are gearing up to kick off January 1 with a temple visit. This tradition of visiting a temple on the first day of the year is viewed as a means to invite blessings, tranquility, and a hopeful beginning for the year to come. From renowned hill shrines to historic urban temples, these are the destinations many prefer to visit first on New Year’s Day. (Image: Canva)
2 / 111. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh | This temple ranks among the most frequented in the world, attracting large crowds on January 1. Devotees hold the belief that starting the year with a darshan of Lord Venkateswara brings wealth and fortune. (Image: Canva)
3 / 112. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai | This shrine, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is a prime destination for New Year visitors from Mumbai and surrounding areas. Long lines of devotees seeking blessings for an unimpeded and thriving year ahead are common in the early hours. (Image: Canva)
4 / 113. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir | Every New Year, countless pilgrims embark on a trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Many believe that the year feels incomplete without receiving Mata’s blessings on the first day. (Image: Canva)
5 / 114. Golden Temple, Amritsar | The Golden Temple draws visitors from all over India on New Year’s Day. The serene prayers, kirtans, and langar create a spiritually enriching way to usher in the new year. (Image: Canva)
6 / 115. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi | Situated along the banks of the Ganga, this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is among the most popular destinations on January 1. Devotees believe that prayers offered here help alleviate past troubles and foster inner tranquility. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 116. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra | Each New Year sees a significant influx of devotees to Shirdi. The teachings of Sai Baba regarding faith and perseverance attract those in search of guidance and hope. (Image: Canva)
8 / 117. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai | This ancient temple is a favored New Year destination in South India. Visitors pray for their family’s welfare, robust health, and unity in the upcoming year. (Image: Canva)
9 / 118. Jagannath Temple, Puri | Many families start the new year with a visit to Lord Jagannath. The temple hosts special prayers on January 1, drawing devotees from Odisha and other regions. (Image: Canva)
10 / 119. Somnath Temple, Gujarat | As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath Temple is a significant pilgrimage spot for the New Year. Visiting here at the start of the year is believed to empower devotees with strength and spiritual insight. (Image: Canva)
11 / 1110. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram | This renowned temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is frequently one of the first stops for many devotees on New Year’s morning, especially among those in Kerala and the southern states. (Image: Canva)
