New Year 2026: Major Temples Across India Issue Special Rules for Devotees
Mahakal, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Banke Bihari, Siddhivinayak, Tirupati Among Shrines Implementing Crowd-Control Measures
As India welcomes the New Year, major temples across the country have announced special guidelines and restrictions to manage the unprecedented rush of devotees expected during the year-end and New Year period. From Jyotirlingas and Shakti Peethas to Vaishnav and Ganesh temples, authorities have tightened security, revised darshan systems, and made online registration mandatory at several shrines.
Temple administrations have appealed to devotees to strictly follow official guidelines to ensure smooth darshan and public safety.
Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
The Mahakaleshwar Temple administration has enforced strict entry regulations during New Year celebrations.
Bhasma Aarti available only through advance online booking
Entry restricted during peak night hours
Mobile phones, bags, belts, and leather items prohibited
Traditional dress mandatory for Bhasma Aarti participants
Officials stated that enhanced security arrangements have been made considering the heavy footfall.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Jammu & Kashmir
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has reiterated that yatra registration is mandatory.
Online registration required before starting the yatra
Daily yatra limit enforced
RFID-based tracking slips compulsory
Temporary suspension of yatra possible if crowd pressure increases
Devotees have been advised not to travel without confirmed registration.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra
The Shirdi temple trust has introduced time-slot-based darshan for the New Year period.
Darshan passes issued in limited numbers
VIP darshan may be suspended on peak days
Outside offerings such as flowers and coconuts not permitted
Extended queue arrangements put in place
Temple officials have urged devotees to plan their visit in advance.
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
In view of safety concerns, the Banke Bihari Temple continues its regulated darshan system.
Darshan allowed only for short intervals
Heavy barricading and police deployment
Mobile phones strictly prohibited
No VIP darshan facility during special days
Authorities emphasized that the intermittent darshan system is essential for crowd control.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple has activated special arrangements for New Year devotees.
Online darshan booking encouraged
Entry regulated during early morning hours
Prohibition on mobile phones and large bags
Restricted offerings inside sanctum area
Additional volunteers and security personnel have been deployed.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Andhra Pradesh
At Tirupati, one of the world’s most visited religious sites, stringent measures are in force.
Sarva Darshan suspended on peak New Year days
Only Special Entry Darshan (SED) ticket holders allowed
Strict dress code enforced
Regulated access to free food and accommodation facilities
TTD officials said these measures are necessary to handle lakhs of devotees daily.
Similar Measures at Other Major Shrines
Temples including Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Somnath, Jagannath Puri, and Rameswaram have also issued advisories featuring:
Online darshan or token systems
Enhanced security checks
Plastic-free and eco-friendly protocols
Medical and emergency support teams
Advisory to Devotees
Temple authorities across India have jointly appealed to devotees to:
Rely only on official temple websites and announcements
Avoid carrying prohibited items
Cooperate with police, volunteers, and temple staff
Follow crowd-management instructions
Faith with Responsibility
Officials reiterated that New Year temple visits are a matter of devotion, but public safety and orderly conduct remain the top priority. Devotees are encouraged to exercise patience and follow established procedures to ensure a peaceful start to the New Year.
