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The English New Year has ushered in a festive picnic season for Bengalis, with major tourist destinations in South 24 Parganas witnessing a massive rush. Popular Sundarbans spots such as Gosaba and Canning, along with Diamond Harbour, Bakkhali and Namkhana, were packed with visitors. A celebratory atmosphere prevailed as families, women and children enjoyed sightseeing, games and outdoor feasts under the warm winter sun.
Alongside leisure, the New Year also began on a deeply devotional note. From early morning, devotees thronged temples across Kolkata and surrounding areas to offer prayers for peace, happiness and prosperity. A special scene unfolded at the Kalighat Temple, where long, disciplined queues of worshippers were seen holding flowers and prasad, filling the premises with faith and devotion.
Similar crowds were witnessed at prominent temples including Dakshineswar, Bhootnath and Sarvamangala. The sound of conch shells, hymns and prayers created a sacred ambience as people welcomed the New Year with hope, blending celebration with spiritual observance across Bengal.