It was not just the IT City's numerous pubs, bars and restaurants that saw people thronging in large numbers on new years eve but also the places of worship.
As year 2007 came to close and with the new year just a sunrise away, it was time for Bangaloreans to visit temples, churches and gurudwaras to thank the Almighty for the past year and seek blessings for the one which is to come next.
Large crowds of devotees were seen at the City’s numerous temples — both big and small — on Monday evening to seek the Almighty’s blessings. Special pujas and bhajans were organised in some of the bigger temples like the Banashankari Temple, Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple, ISKCON and Bull Temple on the last day of the year.
“The year 2007 witnessed a lot of bloodshed due to hatred and terror attacks not only in India but also in other countries. I am here to pray for a peaceful 2008,” said Dr Utkarsh Dwivedi. Many temples had also put up banners at their premises greeting people on the occasion of the new year.
Similarly, at churches, large congegrations of people of all ages had gathered for special prayers and choirs which were organised for universal peace and prosperity.
Night services were held at the St Lourds Church in Ulsoor, St Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar and many other churches across the City.
The Full Gospel Assembly of God Church, Indiranagar organised prayers for both 2007 and 2008. Over 25,000 devotees had gathered for peace at the Murphy Town Grounds, near Ulsoor where special prayers were held for healing by senior Pastor Rev Paul Thangaiah.
The Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha near Ulsoor Lake had also organised special bhajans on the occasion and devotees were seen chanting songs and couplets. “It’s time to thank God for the past year and pray for a happy and prosperous new year for one and all,” said Tejinder Singh, who had come with his friends to the gurudwara.
