GUWAHATI, Jan 1 � Devotion and revelry marked the first day of the year 2015 with citizens making a beeline for the places of worship and entertainment centres across the State. A sunny day added more to the enthusiasm of the people who prayed for welfare of the society and the state urging for lasting peace.
In the capital city, since early morning, people belonging to different caste, creed and community visited the temples, mosques, churches and the community prayer halls seeking divine blessings so that no harm befalls life.
�For me, the first day of the New Year begins with a visit to the temple. I not only pray for my family but also for the society so that we all can live peacefully,� said Sagarika Baruah, a resident of Survey adding that beginning the year on an auspicious note is a motivating factor.
Many citizens who offered their prayers on this special day sought peace and security of life. They called out for an immediate end to the mindless bloodshed and spurt in violence that has pushed the state into a state of turmoil.
�I hope the New Year is peaceful. Every year I keep hoping that there would be no more violence in the state. But I am disappointed as bloodshed has become the order of the day,� said another citizen Dhiren Saikia observing that the government has to act tough to ensure that terrorism is eliminated and peace reigns in the state.
On the other hand, many thronged the amusement points located across the city while others chose to go outside the city and relax in the midst of nature.
As usual, the State Zoo here witnessed heavy rush as people from nearby places also visited the place with their children. The parks and malls recorded more than the usual crowd with everyone eager to celebrate the New Year outside the home and in the company of friends.
�We don�t like to remain inside the hostel on the first day of the New Year. So we visit either the parks or temples and have lunch outside,� said Dipa Kumar of Bora Service.
The festive atmosphere lingered on till late as citizens tried to make the best out of the day, sharing a meal, extending a helping hand to the needy or simply basking in the glory of nature.
�I write the first day of the year with a visit to a tranquil place. Nature is the most effective medicine to soothe the tortured soul and I return rejuvenated after spending some time in the midst of nature,� said Nibaran Gogoi.
