This is largely due to the diversity of calendars used around the world—ranging from the Gregorian calendar to other traditional or religious calendars such as the Hebrew, Islamic, Chinese, and Hindu calendars. In this article, Paradise will explore some of the countries and cultures where the new year does not fall on January 1st, and also provide insight into the significance of these alternative New Year celebrations.

Are All Countries Celebrating New Year’s Day on January 1st?
While January 1st is a global event for many, not all countries celebrate the New Year on this date, as various cultures use different calendars to mark the passage of time. Some countries use the Gregorian calendar (which does start on January 1st), but even within the context of the Gregorian calendar, some regions celebrate New Year’s on different dates due to local customs, religious observances, or national holidays.
List:
1. China - Chinese New Year
• Date: Between January 21 and February 20 (In 2025, it falls on February 17)
• Calendar: Lunar Calendar
The Chinese New Year (also called the Spring Festival) follows the lunar calendar, which means the date changes each year, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. In 2025, Chinese New Year will be on February 17. This holiday is celebrated with family reunions, feasts, fireworks, and various traditional customs such as giving red envelopes for good luck.
2. India - Multiple New Year Dates
• Date(s): Varies across regions and cultures, but major dates include:
o Diwali (Hindu New Year) in October or November
o Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year) on March/April
o Baisakhi (Punjabi New Year) on April 13 or 14

India has a rich variety of New Year celebrations across its states, each linked to regional, cultural, or religious calendars. For instance, Diwali, the festival of lights, marks the Hindu New Year for many Indians in October or November, based on the lunar calendar. Meanwhile, Gudi Padwa, celebrated by Maharashtrians, marks the start of the new year in March/April.
3. Israel - Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
• Date: September or October (In 2025, it will fall on September 15-17)
• Calendar: Hebrew Calendar
In Israel, the Jewish New Year, called Rosh Hashanah, is celebrated in the fall. It falls on the 1st of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar. In 2025, Rosh Hashanah will fall from September 15 to September 17. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and family gatherings, and marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in Judaism.
4. Iran - Nowruz (Persian New Year)
• Date: March 20-21 (In 2025, it will be on March 20)
• Calendar: Solar Hijri Calendar

The Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, is celebrated in Iran and many other countries that were once part of the Persian Empire. It marks the first day of spring and falls on the vernal equinox, which occurs on March 20 or 21 each year.

In 2025, it will be celebrated on March 20. Nowruz is an ancient festival with roots in Zoroastrianism, and it is celebrated with feasts, music, dancing, and various rituals that symbolize renewal and rebirth.

5. Ethiopia - Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)
• Date: September 11 (or 12 in a leap year)
• Calendar: Ethiopian Calendar
In Ethiopia, the New Year is celebrated on September 11th (or 12th in a leap year) and is called Enkutatash. The Ethiopian calendar is approximately seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, and it is based on the Coptic calendar, which has 13 months. The New Year is celebrated with religious ceremonies, music, dances, and feasts.
6. Thailand - Songkran (Thai New Year)
• Date: April 13-15
• Calendar: Solar Calendar (Buddhist Calendar)
In Thailand, the New Year is celebrated during Songkran, which typically occurs from April 13-15. The date corresponds to the traditional Buddhist calendar. Songkran is famous for its water festivals, where people throw water at each other as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. It’s a time for families to gather, visit temples, and honor their ancestors.
7. Bangladesh - Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
• Date: April 14
• Calendar: Bengali Calendar
In Bangladesh, the New Year is celebrated on April 14, called Pohela Boishakh. This date marks the first day of the Bengali calendar, which is used in both Bangladesh and parts of India (West Bengal). The celebration involves street parades, traditional foods, cultural performances, and visits to family and friends.
8. Saudi Arabia - Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
• Date: Varies (in 2025, it will fall on July 17)
• Calendar: Islamic (Hijri) Calendar

In Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries, the Islamic New Year is based on the lunar Islamic (Hijri) calendar. The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the new year on the lunar calendar, and its date shifts each year because the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, the Islamic New Year (1st of Muharram) will fall on July 17. This day is observed with quiet reflection, prayer, and a reminder of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina (the Hijra).

Are All Countries Celebrating New Year on January 1, 2025?
The simple answer is no, not all countries celebrate the New Year on January 1, 2025, or on any other specific Gregorian date.
While January 1st is recognized globally as the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the actual date on which the New Year is celebrated varies greatly, depending on the calendar system in use:
• China: Chinese New Year in 2025 will be on February 17.
• Israel: The Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) will fall in September 2025.
• Iran: Nowruz will occur on March 20.
• Thailand: The Songkran festival takes place in April.
• Ethiopia: The Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) will be in September.
• Saudi Arabia: The Islamic New Year will be on July 17.

Thus, while January 1st is the official global New Year’s Day in the Gregorian system, many countries celebrate their traditional New Year days according to different calendar systems.
New Year celebrations around the world are as diverse as the cultures that observe them.

From Nowruz in Iran to the Chinese New Year, the start of the year is marked on various dates across different calendars. Understanding these diverse New Year celebrations highlights the richness of global traditions and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and appreciating cultural differences.

So, while January 1, 2025 is the New Year’s Day in most countries using the Gregorian calendar, the global landscape of New Year celebrations reveals a wide range of dates and traditions, each contributing to the global mosaic of human culture.