Lakhs throng Jagannath temple

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was among the lakhs who visited the Sri Jagannath temple in Puri on Friday to mark New Year's day.

After offering prayers, the chief minister paid tribute to his father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik at his memorial at Swargadwar.

"Exchanging good wishes and greetings with people from different walks of life. May New Year bring cheer and prosperity to all," Patnaik tweeted.

Thousands of tourists from various parts of the country thronged Puri town, in part to pray at the 12th century temple.

Thousands flocked to the Chandrabhaga beach in the early hours to witness the first sunrise of the year.