New Year 2026 Temple Darshan Update: Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaleshwar, Banke Bihari, Ram Mandir Timings, Ticket

As the New Year 2026 approaches, major temples across India are implementing new arrangements to manage large crowds, ensure safety and streamline darshan for devotees. Temple authorities in Varanasi, Ujjain, Indore, Mathura-Vrindavan, Chittoor, Ayodhya and others have issued detailed instructions, highlighting changes in VIP and special access, darshan timings, and crowd management protocols.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple on New Year 2026: VIP and Sugam Darshan Changes

At the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, devotees are experiencing tighter access regulations during the New Year rush. Temple authorities have suspended VIP and sparsh darshan, allowing only regular darshan and paid Sugam darshan. No date has been announced for the restoration of special access.

Regular entry remains open to all, while Sugam darshan provides assisted access for visitors with health concerns or strict schedules, reducing waiting time.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan Tickets For 31st December and 1st January

The Sugam darshan currently costs Rs 300 per person and is accompanied by a Shastri escort for guided access to the sanctum. The temple also offers daily rituals and special pujas with fixed charges, including Mangla Aarti (Rs 500), Mid-day Bhog Aarti (Rs 300), Saptarishi Aarti (Rs 300), Shringaar Aarti (Rs 300) and Rudrabhishek, ranging from Rs 450 to Rs 2,600 depending on the number of priests involved.

Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple Special Darshan From December 29, 2025 to January 31 2026; Check Ticket Prices

Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple typically welcomes 1.2 lakh devotees daily, with weekend crowds swelling to 1.5-1.75 lakh. From December 25 to January 31, around 6 lakh devotees are expected, potentially reaching 12 lakh by New Year. General devotees enter through the Mansarovar Gate, proceed via a tunnel to Ganesh Mandapam and exit via Bada Ganesh Temple. Quick darshan is available for Rs 250, and mobile phones and footwear must be deposited before entry.

Mahakaleshwar Temple Bhasma Aarti Tickets

Protocol darshan has been suspended from December 27 to January 5, with only VVIPs granted special access. Bhasma Aarti tickets are available offline, and police have arranged additional parking outside the city due to full capacity within.

Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore: New Year Darshan Timings

In Indore, Khajrana Ganesh Temple will close entry at 11 PM on December 31. Devotees present will participate in the midnight aarti and entry will resume at 4 AM on January 1. Four dedicated lines have been set up to guide devotees to the deity efficiently.

Mathura-Vrindavan on New Year 2026: Banke Bihari Temple Darshan From December 29, 2025 to January 5, 2026

Mathura and Vrindavan are preparing for a surge of devotees during the New Year. Authorities have restricted heavy vehicle entry and allowed E-Rikshaws only on approved routes.

The Thakur Shri Banke Bihari Temple administration, along with the High Power Management Committee, has issued safety guidelines for the period between December 29, 2025, and January 5, 2026.

Devotees are advised not to come on an empty stomach and to carry essential medicines. In case of emergencies or lost belongings, assistance is available at Gate 2 and the police chowki's Lost and Found Centre.

Sri Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Chittoor: New Year and Vaikunta Ekadasi Arrangements

The Chittoor district administration has made elaborate arrangements at the Sri Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple for Vaikunta Ekadasi, Dwadasi, and New Year celebrations on December 30, 31, and January 1.

Officials expect over 60,000 devotees, particularly on January 1, and have strengthened queue lines inside and outside the temple. APSRTC will operate additional buses, while power and health departments ensure uninterrupted electricity, lighting and first-aid facilities. Fire services will maintain standby fire engines. To prevent congestion, arjitha sevas and Antaralaya darshan will be cancelled on January 1.

Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya: Second Pran Pratishtha Anniversary in January 2026

Ayodhya's Ram Mandir will celebrate the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha on December 31, 2025. Religious rituals will begin on December 27, culminating in the main ceremony on December 31, with additional events continuing until January 2, 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the main ceremony. The first Pran Pratishtha of the new Ram Lalla idol was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024.