Delhiites throng religious places on New Year’s Day
By IANSFriday, January 1, 2010
NEW DELHI - After partying hard on New Year’s Eve, Delhiites made a beeline to religious places early Friday to pray for a prosperous year.
The roads leading to Bangla Sahib gurudwara in central Delhi was chocked with vehicles. In the chilly January morning, many walked barefoot to the gurudwara to pay their obeisance and seek blessings.
“It’s a tradition in my family to walk to the gurudwara barefoot before sunrise every new year. I along with my family went to gurudwara at 4 a.m. and stayed there for two hours listening to ’shabad kirtan’ (religious discourse),” said Gurpreet Kaur, a marketing professional.
Many people felt that visiting a gurudwara was the best way to start the new year.
“Nothing can be better than devoting yourself to god and I was at the gurudwara at midnight and prayed for a peaceful year ahead,” said Ramneet Singh, a businessman.
At the nearby Sacred Heart Cathedral, people came in hordes to light candles and start the new year with a prayer.
“I went to church in the morning to light candles and prayed for a good new year for everyone. I have decided to spend the rest of the day with friends,” said Eric Paul, 20, a hotel management student.
Megha Wahi, a 19-year-old mass communication student, said: “I got up early and went to Sai Baba temple on Lodhi Raod at 8 a.m. Later on, I have plans to watch a movie with friends and a dinner with the family.”
Many people were seen giving alms to beggars and some distributed sweets to children and old people sitting on pavements.
“I make it a point to spend my new year with orphaned children. I went to a children’s home and organised a small cultural programme and distributed sweets and clothes. Spending time with these children gives me so much satisfaction that I feel blessed,” said Annie Malhotra, a homemaker.
