Mysore/Mysuru: Nagara Sankeertana, a unique and time-honoured form of Indian cultural expression, is slowly fading from public life.

However, in the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysuru, students of Purna Chetana School — 21st Century Bharatiya School — are set to revive this rich tradition by welcoming the New Year in a truly distinctive Bharatiya way tomorrow (Jan. 1, 2026).

Welcoming the English New Year through an Indian cultural lens, the students will offer this collective effort as a prayer for Loka Kalyana — the welfare of the entire world — throughout the coming year.

The highlight of the Nagara Sankeertana is its visual and spiritual appeal. As two girl students perform Bharatanatyam while moving along the route, other students will follow, singing devotional hymns and walking in rhythm under the soft glow of traditional torches (panjis).

This unique procession will take place from 6.15 pm to 7.15 pm tomorrow, filling the evening with the fragrance of Indian ethos.

A total of 380 students, studying from Class 3 to Class 9 at Purna Chetana School, will participate in this event.

The Nagara Sankeertana will be conducted in three groups, commencing simultaneously at 6.15 pm from Sri Vittala Dhama, J.P. Nagar, Sri Shiva Temple, Srirampura and Sri Vinayaka Temple, Vinaya Marga, Siddartha Layout. All processions will conclude by 7.15 pm.

Fourteen Hymns, One Collective Spirit: During the one-hour programme, students will sing and walk to 14 devotional compositions, including:

Pahi Pahi Gajanana, Bettada Taayi Chamundi, Sri Guru Datta Jai Gurudatta, Hanumantha Balavantha Chalavantha, Kesari Nandana, Gurvashtaka, Nara Narayana, Dharma Samsthapaka, Rama Naamavembo, Raksha Karo Raksha Karo, and the Hanuman Chalisa. Through these hymns, the students will spread the vibrancy and spiritual essence of Indian culture across the neighbourhoods.

According to Maadhurya Ramaswamy, Chief Adminstrative Officer of Purna Chetana School, the core objective of this initiative is to convey the values of patriotism, spirituality and social service on the very first day of the New Year, inspiring society — especially the younger generation — to begin the year with purpose and positivity.