Places of worship get ready to ring in a more peaceful 2026

Kolkata: As the city prepares to usher in 2026, places of worship are getting ready to welcome devotees who traditionally begin the new year with prayers.From the early hours of Jan 1, people head to churches, temples, mazars and gurdwaras for special prayers. Several places of worship are being spruced up ahead of the first day of the new year, with illuminated façades, floral decorations and special prayer schedules. Volunteers are being mobilised to guide devotees, while additional arrangements are being made to ensure smooth entry and exit.A special morning prayer will be held at St Andrew's Church on Brabourne Road, where Reverend Swarup Bar will focus on collective well-being. "On Jan 1, our prayers will be centred on peace and harmony for everyone, irrespective of faith," said Bar.Other churches, like Duff Church in Maniktala, St John's Church on Council House Street and Sacred Heart Church on Lenin Sarani, are also preparing for hundreds of devotees. Decorations have been put up and additional seating arrangements made for early services. "We see families, young people and elderly residents coming together," said Rangan Dutta, church officer at St John's Church.Temples in Kalighat and Dakshineswar witness long queues from the early hours of Jan 1 every year. Preparations at both temples are underway, with authorities coordinating volunteers to assist devotees. "New Year's Day is one of the busiest mornings with people coming from other districts too," said an official at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. "Our focus is on facilitating darshan and ensuring all have time for prayer." At Kalighat Temple, arrangements are being made for smooth entry and exit of devotees.Dargahs across the city see a steady stream of visitors on the first day of the year. Many offer prayers of shukrana (gratitude) either at home or at mosques. "I will pray for the well-being of my family, friends, my country, and its citizens. May 2026 bring happiness, prosperity and good health to everybody," said Faisal Khan, who visits the dargah every year on Jan 1.Gurdwaras are also making arrangements for early morning prayers and langar, welcoming devotees and visitors alike. While crowd management measures have been planned with the help of volunteers and local authorities, organisers said the emphasis was on accommodating the devotees and ensuring everybody can offer prayers.