New Year's Day

New Year's Day History

New Year's Day, generally considered as the start of a fresh year, holds distinct significance around the world, including India. It brings hope and joy and is often recognized as an occasion that marks new beginnings. The observance aligns with the opportunity to refresh, reinvent, and set new year resolutions. It allows people to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the prospects of the coming year. It binds people together in celebrations, irrespective of their regional, cultural or religious diversity.

The concept of New Year's Day originated from the Gregorian calendar, which was initiated by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. However, its celebration in India comes with a unique blend of local traditions, making it a distinctive event. Despite India's diverse cultural calendar that features various regional new years throughout the year, January 1st is recognized nationwide due to the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar. It is a testament to India's ability to incorporate international customs while retaining its unique cultural identity.

In India, New Year's Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Activities may include family gatherings, parties, prayer services in churches, temples, mosques and gurdwaras, and a host of cultural programs. It is a public holiday, allowing people to take a break from the usual hustle and indulge in peaceful family time or vibrant celebrations. Fireworks and midnight countdowns are usual sights in cities. While the date of the observance, January 1, syncs with the worldwide celebration, the essence of this day echoes India's underlying principle of unity in diversity.

Facts about New Year's Day

• Worldwide Baby New Year is the most common symbol associated with this holiday. He is a toddler dressed in a diaper, hat, and sash bearing the numbers of the new year. The myth states that he matures into an old man during the course of the year. On December 31st, he hands his hat and sash to the new Baby New Year.
• In the early Roman calendar, New Year was celebrated on March 1st. The new celebration of New Year on January 1st started in Rome in 153 BC. The New Year was moved to January because it was a month when two newly elected Roman consuls began their tenure, which reflected the beginning of civil year.
• Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in Assam marks the start of the new agricultural calendar. The festival is celebrated with dances, songs, and traditional games.
• On the Gujarati New Year, people meet each other and exchange greetings and sweets, while business communities open new account books.

In the News and Trending in India for New Year's Day

Top things to do in India for New Year's Day

• Make new resolutions for the upcoming year and let go of what happened in the previous one.
• Prepare special meals such as puri bhaji a dish made of fried bread and spicy potatoes, and kesari bath a sweet dish made with semolina and saffron.
• Exchange sweets with friends and family as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, such as Tilgul, a sweet made of sesame seeds and jaggery.