BREAKING: Not in First Month: Countries that Celebrate New Year on Different Dates Instead of January 1

While January 1 marks the beginning of the New Year in many parts of the world, several countries follow different calendars and cultural traditions, resulting in alternative New Year celebrations.

These diverse festivities offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich fabric of global cultures, showcasing unique rituals, customs, and the significance of time.

Chinese New Year: Celebrated in January-February

In China, the New Year is based on the lunar calendar, with celebrations typically falling between January 21 and February 20. Known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is marked by family reunions, festive parades, and the iconic dragon and lion dances.

Islamic New Year: Observed on the First Day of Muharram

For countries following the Islamic calendar, the New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Islamic New Year, is based on lunar months. The date varies each year, and the celebration commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

Jewish New Year: Observed in September-October

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishrei, usually falling in September or October. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection, prayer, and the sounding of the shofar, a traditional ram’s horn.

Thai New Year: Celebrated in April

Songkran, the traditional New Year celebration in Thailand, is observed in April. Known for its exuberant water festival, Songkran symbolizes purification and the washing away of the previous year’s misfortunes. Locals and tourists participate in water fights, transforming streets into lively, water-soaked battlegrounds.

Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebrated in Spring

Nowruz, meaning “New Day” in Persian, marks the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. Celebrated by communities in Iran and several other countries, Nowruz typically occurs on or around March 20. People clean and decorate their homes, visit friends and family, and engage in activities symbolizing renewal and rebirth.

Sinhala and Tamil New Year: Celebrated in April

Aluth Avurudda, also known as Sinhala and Tamil New Year, is the traditional New Year celebration in Sri Lanka. Falling in April, it marks the end of the harvest season and holds great cultural significance, symbolizing the transition to a new astrological year.

Prophet Releases New Year Prophecies on Tinubu

Legit.ng reported that a cleric based in northcentral Nigeria, Prophet Godiya Audu Adams, has asked people to be prudent in their spending because “next year (2025) is not going to be funny”.

In a video posted on his official Facebook page recently, Prophet Adams projected that 2025 will be tough for the ruling administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.