By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: As the year 2024 draws to a close, Patna is abuzz with preparations to bid farewell to the old year and welcome 2025. From temples and churches to hotels, restaurants, parks, and even river cruises, the capital city is ready to host grand New Year celebrations with unique and vibrant events.
Mahavir Temple to Prepare 15,000 Kg of Naivedyam
Mahavir Temple has planned special arrangements to welcome the New Year. January 1, marking the beginning of 2025, is expected to draw large crowds of devotees seeking blessings. Priests from Ayodhya will conduct prayers, and 15,000 kg of Naivedyam will be prepared for distribution. Separate temporary counters and designated queues for male and female devotees will ensure smooth crowd management. The temple gates will open at 5 am with an auspicious aarti.
ISKCON Temple to Serve Mahaprasad to One Lakh Devotees
The ISKCON Temple on Buddha Marg will welcome devotees from 4:30 am to 9 pm on January 1. Decorated with vibrant flowers, the temple will host bhajan-kirtan and distribute Mahaprasad among approximately one lakh people. To manage the anticipated crowds, the temple gates will remain closed between 1 pm and 4 pm. Church members at Ashok Rajpath Church and Kurji Church will also oversee special arrangements for New Year prayers.
Hotels and Restaurants Plan Musical Nights
Several prominent hotels in Patna, including Hotel Maurya and Hotel AVR, are organising New Year’s Eve events featuring live music, DJ nights, and delectable cuisines. Hotel AVR will host Bollywood singer Anita Bhatta and dancer Rajsmita Kar, with stage entry priced at ₹1699 and couple entry at ₹3299. These celebrations promise an evening of glamour and entertainment.
Cruise on the Ganga: A Unique New Year Experience
For those seeking a distinctive celebration, the Bihar State Tourism Corporation has arranged special cruises on the Ganga River. Operating at Gandhi Ghat and Digha Ghat, the cruises will offer live music, DJ nights, and vegetarian food.
- Daytime Cruise: From 11 am to 6 pm on December 31, with entry tickets priced at ₹300 (free for children under 5 years).
- Evening Cruise: On January 1, ferries will operate from 7 pm to 9 pm and 9 pm to midnight, with a per-person charge of ₹1,000.
Additionally, private bookings for the Ro-Pax Vessel Cruise range from ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, making it a luxurious option for New Year’s Day celebrations.
