4 Powerful Spiritual Rituals to Begin New Year Like a Yogi

As the year 2025 is coming to an end, many of us might be taking some time out for contemplation and self-assessment. We may have had experiences that resulted in growth and vice-versa. However, the key is to ensure that we are always going forward and never backwards. In this article, we will explore some life-affirming spiritual rituals that will help us celebrate new year like a yogi or someone who believes in nourishing his soul as importantly as nurturing his body.


Meditation can transform into a deep spiritually cleansing activity if we do it rightly and with sincerity. On the first day of 2026, wake up during Brahma Muhurta or the “Creator’s time” when most of the world would be buried in their unconscious slumber. This period falls between 4 AM and 5:30 AM and you will be able to experience heightened stillness and sattvic energy. Ancient scriptures recommend this time as the best for spiritual activities including meditation, prayer and yoga.

If you are new to meditation, start by doing 5 minutes of breath meditation. Focus on your breath coming in and going out. Experience how it is happening naturally, without you trying to control it. Secondly, if you have a favourite image of a deity, keep it in front of you for a few moments. Then close your eyes and maintain the same image in your mind. When you feel that your mind is going astray, bring it back peacefully without reacting. When you practice this meditation technique consistently, the purity and the spiritual qualities of the God with start filling your soul. This is one the best way to start the first day of your new year. Remember not to let go of this habit as days go by.


Traditional Hindu texts tell us that lighting a lamp in your homes create sattvic energy. It symbolises the arrival of wisdom and the removal of darkness. Keep an image or idol of Lord Krishna or Shivling, and pray for the well-being of the entire world. You can also take a piece of paper and write down about all those things for which you are deeply grateful for. Furthermore, chant mantras such as Gayatri Mantra or Shiva Tandav Stotra to receive God’s blessings and to achieve spiritual progress.

Sankalpa is a powerful heart-centred yogic technique that you can use to welcome new year. This technique is much deeper than just writing down your goals. Chose Brahma Muhurta or Pradosh Kaal to engage in this ritual. For those of us who don’t know, Pradosh Kaal is the divine twilight period that falls 90 minutes before and after sunset. Spiritual Gurus say that this time is very auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva and for destroying sins, thereby purifying our souls.

Now sit in front of a lamp or diyas. Keep God’s image in front of it. Then while remaining deeply immersed in your quietness, observe what your inner soul is whispering to you. You will be able to gather the messages coming from your gut feelings or intuition when your conscious mind is quiet. Once you start comprehending these messages, right them down.

Remember to write everything down in present tense. If your soul is telling you, “The purpose of my life is to create a great piece of art that will stand the test of time”, write the same idea as “I have created a great piece of art.” Then feel those emotions.

If you want to feel less stressed and anxious, write “I am calm and peaceful.” Write a maximum of 4-5 new year sankalpas. Remember that they should align with your highest purpose or deepest truth. Last, but not the least, review these Sankalpas everyday. Work sincerely towards achieving them. Things will work out well.


Almost all of the religious texts tell us to engage in acts of charity. This is one of the most direct and palpable ways to cleanse our being. Join community service or if you have some money saved in your bank, use some of it to help the poor and impoverished. Support the education of a child. Provide food to the homeless ones. Of course they may not give you anything in return for your acts of kindness. But you will achieve something that is more precious than millions of dollars. It is a profound sense of inner calm and fulfilment. Nothing in this world can replace the positive energy that you will receive when you see the smile of a suffering soul.

These are 4 meaningful and spiritually fulfilling ways through which you can begin your new year. Each of these activities are strongly rooted in our culture and religious tradition. For thousands of years, our forefathers have been practising them. Above all, become disciplined with these daily rituals for attaining the best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What brings good luck in the new year?
   To bring good luck in New Year clean your home to sweep out bad luck, pray, meditate, chant mantras and do seva.
2. What is lucky to eat on New Year's?
   For good luck on New Year, eat foods symbolising abundance and prosperity such as lentils and long noodles for longevity. Furthermore eat leafy greens, grapes, or ring-shaped cakes for a sweet year ahead.
3. What not to eat on New Year's Day?
   On New Year's Day, you should generally avoid foods that move backward like lobster, crab, chicken or turkey or foods that are associated with stagnation.