Thoothukudi welcomes New Year with devotion and enthusiasm

Devotees attending a midnight special prayer at Our Lady of Snows Basilica in Thoothukudi.
| Photo Credit: RAJESH N

With 2025 commencing on Wednesday, the people of Thoothukudi district welcomed the New Year with great enthusiasm. On the occasion, special prayers and pujas were held at churches and temples across the district, drawing a large number of devotees.

A significant number of people thronged the Subramania Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur on the occasion of New Year. The temple’s doors were opened at 1 a.m. and devotees witnessed the Viswaroopa darshan at 1:30 a.m. followed by Udayamarthanda abishekam and Deeparadhana. Thousands of devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu gathered at Tiruchendur and waited in long queues for over five hours from 11 p.m. to have a glimpse of the deity. Additional police personnel were deployed on duty to manage the crowd and to ensure the safety of the people.

Devotees at Siva Temple in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
RAJESH N

Midnight masses were conducted in churches to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025. Thanksgiving prayers for 2024 were conducted followed by special prayers. Catholic diocese Bishop Stephen Antony conducted a special mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thoothukudi. Similarly prayer service was also held at Our Lady of Snows Basilica with a large number of devotees in attendance.

For the New Year celebrations extensive security arrangements were made across the district. Police patrolled major roads and temple premises through the night to prevent untoward incidents and ensure smooth celebrations.