India, six other countries where New Year is not celebrated on January 1st

TRIBUNE

While January 1st is widely recognized as New Year in many parts of the world, several countries and cultures observe their New Year on different dates. These celebrations are often tied to unique calendars, religious events, or seasonal cycles, reflecting the cultural and historical diversity of societies.

Explored in this article are countries that do not celebrate their New Year’s Day on January 1st.

1. Saudi Arabia 

The New Year in Saudi Arabia is determined based on the Islamic calendar. The Islamic New Year begins with the sighting of the new moon at sunset. This signals the beginning of the month of Muharram – one of the four holy months of the Islamic calendar and this day is also observed as the beginning of a new year. 

2. Iran

In Iran, Nowruz is the Iranian or Persian New Year festival based on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar.

Nowruz is a celebration that marks the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one and it usually occurs on March 21 in the Gregorian calendar. This day is also marked in countries with significant Persian cultural influence like Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

3. China

The Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival and it is calculated based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar.

The date is not fixed as it varies every year but it usually falls between January 21st to February 20th. For the year 2025, the New Year falls on January 29th.

4. India

It is important to note that different calendars are used among different groups in India so the New Year is celebrated at different times, based on when it is marked in these calendars. 

It is however important to note that the Indian government still recognizes Jan 1st as New Year’s Day for official purposes.

5. Vietnam

The Vietnamese New Year, also known as the Tet Holiday, is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which typically falls within a month or two months after the Gregorian New Year. As a result, Tet can start anytime from January 21st to February 9th. The Tet holiday in 2025 will be on the 29th of January in the Gregorian calendar.

6. Bangladesh

Bangladesh New Year’s Day is also known as Pohela Boishakh. Unlike other nations, the New Year is observed on the first day of the Bengali calendar, which falls on April 14. The festival of Pohela Boishakh is celebrated in the country and many parts of India which has Bengal culture and heritage.

7. South and North Korea

Traditional Koreans still use the Lunisolar calendar and thus celebrate the New Year in January or February on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

The Korean New Year is a three-day family holiday and it is still practiced in the countries. The celebration is called Seollal.

The celebration of New Year on dates other than January 1 showcases the richness of global traditions and beliefs. 

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN TRIBUNE