At the stroke of midnight on 31st December 2025, the Mahabodhi Temple reverberated with heartfelt prayers and the ceremonial ringing of the peace bell by monks and devotees, invoking harmony and wellbeing for the entire world as the New Year dawned.
With the first light of morning, long queues of lamas and devotees holding flowers in their hands formed around the sanctum, seeking blessings and a sacred glimpse of the revered image of Lord Buddha. The sacred grounds beneath the Bodhi Tree resounded with devotional chants and prayer ceremonies, creating an atmosphere soaked in spiritual energy and serenity.
Pilgrims from far and wide including Ladakh, Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat and other parts of the world gathered to pay homage at the holy seat of enlightenment. As the day progressed, the number of visitors increased manifold, and the entire temple complex resembled a sea of humanity united in reverence and peace.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of BTMC, Ms. Mahashweta Maharathi, said:
“Bodhgaya stands as an eternal symbol of peace and compassion. We are deeply humbled to witness devotees from across the globe beginning their New Year with prayers at the very site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.”
The Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee ensured smooth and secure arrangements for the pilgrimage day, enabling devotees to celebrate the New Year in an environment of devotion and harmony.