New Year’s Greetings
Amid the festive days between the grand Diwali celebrations and the start of Vikram Samvat, the enthusiasm for welcoming the new year of Vikram Samvat 2082 is in full swing. People have adorned their homes with lights, decorated them with artistic rangolis, and are ready to welcome the new year. After visiting temples for darshan, people will exchange New Year greetings with each other. Additionally, social gatherings, community events, and programs organized by political institutions will take place. In many temples, Annakut offerings will be made to the deities, and devotees will throng for darshan.
PM’s Letter to Citizens
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that while the world is facing numerous crises, India is emerging as a symbol of stability and sensitivity. In a letter addressed to the nation’s citizens on the occasion of Diwali, Mr. Modi emphasized that India is on the path to becoming the world’s largest economy in the near future. He further noted that during Operation Gagan Shakti, India not only supported justice but also took action against injustice.
Mann Ki Baat
On the 26th of this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with people across India and abroad through the “Mann Ki Baat” program on All India Radio. This will be the 127th episode of the monthly radio program. People can share their opinions via the toll-free number 1800-11-7800, the Narendra Modi App, or the MyGov open forum. Suggestions can be sent online until the 24th of this month.
Diwali Enthusiasm Across the State
Across the state, temples, government buildings, and roads have been specially decorated with lights for Diwali. To welcome the new year of Vikram Samvat, temples such as the Ambaji Temple in Matana Madh, Shantipith Bagh, Jaya Jagdamba Pavagadh, and Chotila, among others, are witnessing immense enthusiasm among devotees. The influx of devotees to these temples has already begun.
At the Jagat Temple in Dwarka, the traditional Govardhan Puja celebrations were completed. It was noted that every year, with the start of the new Vikram Samvat, the Annakut ritual begins with Govardhan Puja. At the sacred Jaya Jagdamba Dakor Temple, the tradition of offering Annakut to Lord Ranchhod continues unbroken. On the second day of Diwali, Annakut is offered to the deity, and as per tradition, people from 75 nearby villages are invited to partake in the Annakut prasad. As soon as the temple doors opened in the afternoon, 151 maunds (approximately 5,660 kg) of Annakut prasad were distributed within just 11 minutes.
Swaminarayan Temple, Dwarka: Deepotsav
Yesterday, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Swaminarayan Temple in Dwarka city celebrated Deepotsav by lighting 1,51,000 diyas (oil lamps). During this time, 1.5 lakh diyas illuminated the temple premises, making it glow with radiance. According to Kashi Swami from the temple’s committee, under the guidance of Mahant Swami Dharmanandandas, the lamps were arranged by devoted brothers and sisters to honor Lord Swaminarayan. Alongside this, the new year of Vikram Samvat began with the Mangla Aarti and Annakut darshan. Before the special Deepotsav celebration, devotees joyfully participated in rangoli darshan.
Compensation for Crop Damage Due to Rainfall
The state government has made an important decision to provide assistance to farmers for crop damage caused by heavy rainfall in August and September 2025. Compensation will be provided to farmers in 800 villages across 18 talukas in districts such as Junagadh, Panchmahal, Kutch, Patan, and Vav-Tharad.
Fire at a Gaushala in Satapar, Jamnagar
On the night of Diwali, a massive fire broke out at a gaushala in Satapar village, Jamnagar taluka, caused by sparks from firecrackers. In this incident, approximately 900 maunds (around 33,750 kg) of fodder was reduced to ashes.