Visakhapatnam Begins 2026 with Prayer and Faith

Visakhapatnam welcomed the New Year with devotion and quiet reflection. Thousands of people gathered at temples and churches across the city on the night of December 31 and into the early hours of January 1. Many chose prayer over parties to seek blessings for the year ahead.

Temples across the city witnessed a steady rush of devotees. The Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Simhachalam remained crowded through the night. Worshippers waited patiently in queues to offer puja and have darshan. Special rituals marked the beginning of the New Year.

Churches also drew large congregations. Special services and midnight Masses marked January 1 as the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Churches glowed with lights as families and young people gathered in prayer. Services continued into the early morning hours.

Authorities prepared in advance for the crowds. Temple managements and city officials put safety and crowd-control measures in place. Volunteers and security personnel regulated queues and ensured smooth movement at major places of worship.

Even as celebrations continued at beaches and public spaces, faith remained central to the city’s New Year welcome. For many residents, prayer set the tone for a hopeful and peaceful 2026.