As the first light of 2024 touched Kolkata, a profound sense of hope and devotion filled the air. Defying the sharp morning chill on Thursday, thousands of devotees from diverse religious backgrounds streamed into places of worship across the city. For countless families, this annual tradition of beginning the year with special prayers is a non-negotiable ritual, setting the tone for the months ahead with blessings for health, peace, and prosperity.
Churches Echo with Prayers for Peace and Guidance
The sacred hours of the new year saw churches across Kolkata holding special services. Despite the cold, worshippers gathered in large numbers, with many arriving as early as 7:30 AM. At the historic Old Mission Church on R N Mukherjee Road, a significant congregation attended the morning service. A church official noted that the special prayer session focused on the well-being of all and invoked peace and harmony for the new year.
Just a few metres away, St Andrew's Church also reported a big turnout. Father Swarup Bar, addressing the faithful, delivered a powerful sermon calling for divine guidance to comfort the marginalised across the globe. He invoked blessings of peace and prosperity for every household, "from the grand mansions to the humblest dwellings." Similar reflections on gratitude and hope resonated in other prominent churches, including Duff Church in Manicktala, St Mary's on Elgin Road, and St Teresa in Entally, where messages of compassion, unity, and forward-looking faith were shared.
Temples, Dargahs, and Gurdwaras Witness Steady Stream of Devotees
The scene was equally vibrant at the city's Hindu temples, Sufi dargahs, and Sikh gurdwaras. From the crack of dawn, long, patient queues formed outside the iconic Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples. Many devotees had travelled from neighbouring districts, with several families heading straight to the temples from nearby railway stations.
Bidisha Nag, who travelled with her family from Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas, shared, "We come to Kolkata every year on January 1. Our first destination is the Kalighat temple. After offering prayers, we take the children to other places in the city, like Victoria Memorial, Alipore zoo, and New Market." The common sight across all shrines included elderly devotees, sometimes supported by family members, and young children bundled up in warm winter clothes, all united in their quest for divine blessings.
Administrative Efforts Ensure Smooth and Safe Celebrations
Anticipating the large influx, the administrations of major religious sites had made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowds efficiently. A coordinated effort involving:
- Strategic placement of barricades to regulate queues.
- Deployment of volunteers and traffic personnel.
- Special plans for vehicle movement management.
These measures were crucial in ensuring that devotees could offer their prayers without disruption or safety concerns. The smooth conduct of the multi-faith observances highlighted the city's preparedness and its commitment to facilitating peaceful religious expression.
The collective spirit witnessed across Kolkata on New Year's Day 2024 was a powerful testament to the city's enduring cultural fabric. It was a day where faith transcended the cold, and diverse prayers for a better future rose in unison, painting a picture of communal harmony and shared hope for the year ahead.
