India welcomed the New Year 2026 with widespread religious observances, as millions of devotees thronged temples, shrines, and holy rivers across the country. Major sites like the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, and prominent temples in Delhi saw large gatherings. Uttar Pradesh, particularly Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Prayagraj, was a focal point for religious activity, with devotees taking holy dips and offering prayers for peace and prosperity. Arrangements were made to manage the overwhelming crowds at popular destinations.