By Rahma Bukar
First, New Year means the beginning of a new year on the calendar, marking the passage of time and the start of a fresh cycle. The New Year happens on the 1st of January yearly and New Year’s eve is the day before New Year, which is December 31st.
Here are some fascinating facts about some countries that do not celebrate New Year’s day.
Afghanistan: Afghans celebrate the Persian New Year Nowruz, on the 20th or 21st of March, marking the spring equinox.
Iran: Iranians also celebrate Nowruz, which is a 13-day celebration.
Saudi Arabia: Saudis celebrate the Islamic New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar and falls on a different date each year.
Some countries do not celebrate the New Year on the 1st of January because they have a different calendar. Some of these countries are:
Ethiopia: Ethiopians use the Ethiopian calendar which is 7 to 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the Ethiopian New Year Enkutatash on the 11th of September.
India: Some Indian states, like Maharashtra celebrate the Marathi New Year, Gudi Padwa on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (usually in March or April).
China: The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually in late January or early February.
Rahma is of The Penielville School, Abuja.
