Devotees in Punjab, India kicked off the New Year in true spiritual style with the celebration of “Hare Krishna Nite” at the ISKCON temple in Ludhiana.

Devotees from ISKCON Delhi joined the celebration, which ran from 9pm until midnight. Throughout the night, the festivities built to a crescendo with the enthusiastic chanting of God’s names. Guests and devotees added auspiciousness to the occasion by offering gifts to the presiding deities of Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra.

The event’s main attraction was a Mini Ratha Yatra (cart festival) organized by ISKCON children. A small yet beautiful wooden chariot was built and taken on one round of the temple hall. Everybody appreciated the childrens’ sincere efforts.

Packing the temple hall to the seams, congregational devotees ushered in the new year with a first arati offering to the deities, after which they enjoyed the sacred prasadam food offering.