Residents of Dibrugarh welcomed the new year with spiritual fervour on Thursday as hundreds of devotees thronged religious places across the town, seeking divine blessings for the year ahead. Temples, churches, and gurudwaras witnessed significant footfall as people chose to begin 2026 with prayers and gratitude.
The highest rush was recorded at the magnificent Jagannath Temple in the Khanikar area, where devotees began arriving from early morning to offer prayers to Lord Jagannath. The temple, located approximately 6 km from the city centre along the Dibrugarh bypass, has become a major spiritual landmark since its consecration in 2014.
“We wanted to start the new year by seeking Lord Jagannath’s blessings,” said Purabi Sharma, a Dibrugarh resident who arrived at the temple with her family. “There’s something special about praying here on New Year’s Day. It fills us with hope and positivity for the months ahead.”
The Dibrugarh Jagannath Temple holds the distinction of being the second largest Jagannath temple in the world after the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Spread over an expansive area of more than 70,000 square feet, this architectural marvel faithfully recreates the spiritual essence of its Puri counterpart while showcasing the traditional Odishan style of temple architecture.
Meanwhile, the 94-year-old Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church at Khalihamari also witnessed steady attendance throughout the day. Built in 1934, this historic church has been a cornerstone of Christian faith in Dibrugarh for nearly a century. Devotees attended special New Year masses, with families gathering to pray together and celebrate the beginning of 2026.
The historic Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, located on AT Road in Dibrugarh, also welcomed numerous visitors throughout the day. Established in 1919, this 107-year-old gurudwara stands as a testament to Dibrugarh’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Devotees participated in prayers and partook in the traditional langar, the community kitchen that serves meals to all visitors regardless of faith.
The harmonious convergence of devotees at various religious places across Dibrugarh reflected the town’s pluralistic ethos and the shared aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
