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New Year marks the end of a year and beginning of a new year. The New year is celebrated globally on 1st of January as per the English calendar. However, there are regional new year celebrations in India based on the local customs. Vikram Samvat is the traditional hindu calendar which is about 57 years ahead of Gregorian calendar. On the new year's day, people wish each other a 'Happy New Year'. They send good wishes for future endeavours via messages, virtual calls and online posts.
Regional New Year Celebrations in India
| S.No. | Festival | Region or State | Calendar | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra, Goa | Lunar (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada) | March to April |
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| 2 | Ugadi (Yugadi) | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka | Lunar (Chaitra) | March to April |
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| 3 | Cheti Chand | Sindhi community (nationwide) | Lunar (Chaitra) | March to April |
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| 4 | Navreh | Jammu & Kashmir (Kashmiri Pandits) | Lunar (Chaitra) | March to April |
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| 5 | Sajibu Cheiraoba | Manipur | Lunar (Chaitra) | March to April |
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| 6 | Puthandu | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry | Solar (Mesha Sankranti) | Mid April |
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| 7 | Vishu | Kerala | Solar (Mesha Sankranti) | Mid April |
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| 8 | Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) | Punjab, Haryana | Solar (Mesha Sankranti) | Mid April |
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| 9 | Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) | Assam | Solar (Mesha Sankranti) | Mid April |
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| 10 | Pohela Boishakh | West Bengal, Tripura | Solar (Mesha Sankranti) | Mid April |
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| 11 | Bestu Varas | Gujarat | Lunar (Kartik, around Diwali) | October to November |
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Why is it Celebrated?
New Year's Day is celebrated on 1 January every year. The day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year which is followed by most of the countries in the world. Its celebration blends historical, cultural and psychological reasons. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar from ancient Rome introduced the Julian calendar. He declared 1 January as the beginning of the year to honour Janus- the roman god of beginnings. The two faces of Janus- one looking backward and one forward symbolise reflecting on the past and good hopes for the future. Psychologically, human beings consider New Year as a 'chapter break' which means a time to reset habits and take resolutions.
Happy New Year Quotes
| S.No. | Quote | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." | Oprah Winfrey |
| 2 | "The beginning is the most important part of the work." | Plato |
| 3 | "Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." | Benjamin Franklin |
| 4 | "A new year is like a blank book; the pen is in your hands." | - |
| 5 | "For last year's words belong to last year's language; And next year's words await another voice." | T. S. Eliot |
| 6 | "The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all." | Josiyah Martin |
| 7 | "No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference." | Charles Lamb |
Theme of the Day
There is no official global theme for New Year's Day because it is not a UN designated International day. Any country or community may adopt New Year's Day as their informal theme for the celebration. There are many campaigns on social media that suggest a few themes on New Year such as 'New Beginnings', 'Resolutions for a better Life' and 'Unity and Peace'. Governments often use New Year messages to highlight national priorities such as economic growth, social harmony, health or environmental action. The new year theme often revolves around learning new things, keeping a healthy body, financial discipline or maintaining stronger relations.
Happy New Year's Wishes
| S.No. | Wishes | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Wishing you a New Year full of new hope, new joy and new opportunities." | Family and friends |
| 2 | "May the coming year bring you health, happiness and success in all your efforts." | Colleagues, elders |
| 3 | "Here's to leaving the old behind and embracing the new with courage." | Close friends |
| 4 | "May your dreams take flight in the New Year. Happy New Year!" | Students and youth |
| 5 | "Wishing you peace at home and prosperity in your work this New Year." | Business contacts |
| 6 | "New year, new chapter - may your story be beautiful." | Anyone who start fresh |
| 7 | "May God bless you and your family with love and laughter this New Year." | Religious and elderly people |
How is Eve Celebrated?
New Year's Day Eve is observed on 31st December which is the last day of the Gregorian calendar. Usually, people enjoy parties and begin celebrating in the evening and continue till midnight on 1 January. The fireworks in cities, religious services and special Television programmes are common. Numerous people share past year's memories on social media platforms and make New Year resolutions for self improvement, health and set career goals. The leaving of one year and entering into the new year reflects the fresh start with hope and new energy.
Significance
The new year's day is the time of renewal of hope for a better future. It is the first day of the calendar year and an important moment for people and nations to pledge for new goals, be it studies or work. It is a general practice at the end of each year when people review their achievements and failures of the past year. They commit for a positive change in themselves which is related to health, learning, career and relationship.
The New Year's Day strengthens bonds through family gatherings and greetings. Psychologically, it effectively results in the behavioral change which makes New Year's Day a symbol of second opportunity, growth and a hope for better tomorrow.
FAQs
How is New Year's Day celebrated?
People celebrate New Year's Day with their families. They gather, through parties, fireworks, special meals and New Year resolutions.
Is New Year's Day a bank holiday?
The banks in India are not closed nationwide. However, few banks can be closed due to regional celebrations in select states.
