Hundreds Celebrate ‘Divine New Year’ Near Bulgarian Mountain Lake

Hundreds Celebrate ‘Divine New Year’ Near Bulgarian Mountain Lake

Rila Mountains, Bulgaria – August 2025

In a unique display of spirituality, unity, and tradition, hundreds of people dressed in white gathered near a mountain lake in Bulgaria to mark the ‘Divine New Year’, a sacred celebration observed annually by the Universal White Brotherhood, a spiritual movement rooted in the teachings of Bulgarian philosopher Peter Deunov.

Set against the serene and mist-covered backdrop of the Rila Mountains, participants took part in synchronized dances known as Paneurhythmy, a spiritual ritual believed to align the body, mind, and soul with the rhythms of nature and the cosmos. 

Celebrated every year on August 19, the Divine New Year marks the spiritual rebirth and a fresh cycle of enlightenment and inner harmony. Participants from across Europe and beyond gather near the Seven Rila Lakes, believed by devotees to be energetically significant.

One participant remarked:
“It’s more than a tradition  it’s a deep connection with nature, peace, and universal love. We come together here to reflect, to grow, and to welcome a new spiritual beginning.”

This year’s event drew larger crowds, as interest in alternative spirituality and global cultural practices continues to grow. Authorities ensured safe access to the site while respecting the environmental sanctity of the region.

As a symbolic gathering rooted in peace and spiritual evolution, the Divine New Year stands out as a rare fusion of nature, movement, and inner awareness offering a quiet, powerful reminder of our connection to the earth and each other.