How Countries celebrate New Year

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.

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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.