New Year 2024: Cultures that do not celebrate on 1st January

New year usually means 1st January and while millions around the world gather on this day to ring in the New Year, various cultures have distinct traditions and alternative dates for celebrating new beginnings. Let's know about cultures that march to the beat of a different temporal drum when it comes to welcoming the new year.

Chinese new year

China and several other East Asian countries celebrate the Chinese new year, also known as the Lunar New Year. This vibrant festival doesn't adhere to the Gregorian calendar but follows the lunar calendar. Typically falling between January 21st and February 20th, the festivities include dragon and lion dances, family reunions, and the iconic red envelope tradition symbolising good luck and prosperity.

Nowruz - Persian new year

Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year, celebrated in Iran and by various communities around the world. Occurring around March 20th or 21st, Nowruz is a time of renewal and rebirth. Festivities include cleaning homes, family gatherings, and the Haft-Seen table adorned with symbolic items representing different aspects of life.

Songkran - Thai new year

Songkran takes place on 13th April and is celebrated with the world's largest water fight. The water festival signifies cleansing and purification for the coming year. People splash water on each other, participate in religious ceremonies, and pay respects to elders. Songkran is a lively and joyous occasion that embraces the spirit of renewal.

Rosh Hashanah - Jewish new year

The Jewish new year typically falls in September or early October. This solemn occasion marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in Judaism. Families come together for festive meals, featuring symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey for a sweet year. The blowing of the shofar, a ram's horn, is a central tradition representing spiritual awakening.

Hindu new year

New year, according to Hindu calendars, is celebrated on the first day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. It falls in April and coincides with other celebratory events like Baisakhi and Poila Boisakh, which thank the rain god for a successful harvest season.