Vaishno Devi, Kashi Vishwanath, Puri Jagannath, Ujjain Mahakal: How temples across India are bracing for New Year 2026 rush

• Indian temples implement new safety and crowd-control measures for New Year
• VIP and special darshan halted at Kashi Vishwanath Temple due to crowd surge.
• Puri Jagannath Temple installs 344 CCTVs, expects 3 lakh devotees on Jan 1

Did our AI summary help?

As the New Year 2026 draws near, major temples across India have introduced new arrangements to handle the expected surge of devotees, enhance safety, and make darshan more efficient.

Temple authorities in Varanasi, Ujjain, Indore, Mathura–Vrindavan, Chittoor, Ayodhya, and other locations have released detailed guidelines outlining changes to VIP and special access, darshan schedules, and crowd-control measures.

Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple has implemented stricter access rules to handle the expected surge of devotees. VIP and sparsh darshan have been suspended temporarily, allowing only regular darshan and paid Sugam darshan.

Sugam darshan offers assisted access for visitors with health concerns or tight schedules, helping reduce waiting times. Temple authorities have not yet announced when special access will be restored.

Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya

Similar arrangements are in place across these holy cities, including traffic diversions, barricades to streamline crowd movement, and additional public transport services.

Authorities are promoting experience-led initiatives that combine temple visits with ghats, aartis, heritage walks, local cuisine, crafts, and One District One Product (ODOP) experiences to make pilgrimages more enriching.

Katra: Vaishno Devi Temple

In view of the heavy rush of pilgrims expected on December 31 and during the New Year, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Paramvir Singh, JKPS, conducted a comprehensive security review meeting at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees.

During the meeting, the SSP directed all relevant officers and agencies to remain highly alert and proactive, given the anticipated surge in pilgrims. Special emphasis was placed on effective crowd management to prevent untoward incidents, including stampedes, and to regulate movement at sensitive points within and around the Bhawan area.

Bhubaneswar: Puri Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple has upgraded its security with 344 CCTV cameras and deployment of 70 police platoons. Officials expect nearly 3 lakh devotees on January 1, making crowd management a priority.

Special rituals include Ratri Pahuda at 11 pm and Dwaraphita at 2 am. On December 31 and January 1, darshan will be from outside the wooden barricades to manage the large crowd safely.

Ayodhya: Ram Mandir

The Ram Mandir will celebrate the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha on December 31. Rituals began on December 27 and continue through January 2.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the main ceremony, following the first Pran Pratishtha performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024.

Vrindavan: Thakur Banke Bihari Temple

Temple management has requested devotees to avoid visiting from December 29 to January 5 unless necessary due to expected heavy crowds, emphasising safety and crowd control.

The advisory also listed several safety guidelines for those who still plan to visit. Devotees have been asked to carry minimal luggage and avoid bringing valuables. They should follow announcements made through the public address system and strictly use the designated entry and exit routes at the temple. Visitors have also been advised to leave their footwear only at the designated spots along the route.

Sikar: Khatu Shyam Temple

Darshan will continue uninterrupted from December 30 to January 1, with special decorations and drinking water facilities along the darshan route. The 17-km Ringas-Khatu stretch will be a no-vehicle zone, allowing only pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

To manage the large crowds, around 3,000 security personnel have been deployed across the fair area. Security staff will remain stationed at all key points throughout the fairgrounds.

Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Temple

Daily devotees usually number 1.2 lakh, swelling on weekends. From December 25 to January 31, 6 lakh devotees are expected, potentially reaching 12 lakh by New Year.

Entry is via Mansarovar Gate, through a tunnel to Ganesh Mandapam, and exit via Bada Ganesh Temple. Quick darshan is available for Rs 250, and mobile phones and footwear must be deposited before entry.

Indore: Khajrana Ganesh Temple

The temple will close entry at 11 pm on December 31 for midnight aarti, reopening at 4 am on January 1. Four dedicated lines will help guide devotees efficiently during peak hours.

Chittoor: Sri Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple

Elaborate arrangements are in place for Vaikunta Ekadasi, Dwadasi, and New Year celebrations from December 30 to January 1.

Authorities expect over 60,000 devotees on January 1, with strengthened queue lines, extra APSRTC buses, uninterrupted electricity, lighting, first-aid, and standby fire services. Arjitha sevas and Antaralaya darshan will be cancelled on January 1 to prevent congestion.