Bhubaneswar, Jan. 1 -- Odisha ushered in the New Year 2026 with deep-rooted faith, festive fervour and heightened security, as thousands of people stepped out early in the morning to offer prayers and welcome the first sunrise of the year with hope and optimism.

Temples and other religious institutions witnessed a steady stream of devotees from the early hours, marking the transition from 2025 to 2026 with traditional rituals and spiritual observances.

People exchanged New Year greetings with family and friends, while social media platforms and smartphones buzzed with messages of goodwill, reflecting the changing yet connected nature of celebrations.

The holy town of Puri remained the focal point of New Year celebrations in Odisha, wit...