Is New Year’s Day a Public Holiday in India?
New Year’s Day 2024 in India is observed as a public holiday. This means that normally, all schools, colleges, academic institutions, universities, post offices, banks, public sector offices, private institutions, companies and organizations remain closed on this day. People usually recover the past-day festivities and merriment and may report late to their offices, if open, due to late-night celebrations. Tourists from all around the world visit different famous party destinations around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day such as Delhi, Goa, Bangalore and much more.
However, it is considered as a restricted holiday for the working sector in several parts of India as well. Hence, employees are required to report to work either for the full or half-day as directed by the employer. However, public transport services remain available on the day of New Year’s Day in India, and fully functional.
New Year’s Day History
New Year’s Day history holds high significance in India and glorifies the reason behind its observance. The New Year’s Day brings with itself lots of new opportunities, chances, challenges and expectations, and signifies the time to move on from the past while stepping onto a new future. Traditionally in India, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on various occasions as per the innumerable regional calendar. Different Calendars observed in India are Lunar Calendar, Solar Calendar and Luni-Solar Calendar, on the basis of which several fasts, festivities and occasions are determined.
Indians began observing New Year’s Day on 1 January every year as per the Gregorian Calendar. Due to the growing westernization, both the Indian government and natives started following the Gregorian Calendar, and as a result, celebrated the New Year on the first day of January every year. It is believed that New Year’s Day observance in India began from the British Era, and it was since then this tradition was followed. However, others say that its popularity soared high after the 1940s.
Every country worldwide follows the Gregorian Calendar so as to remain at par politically, religiously and financially. It is internationally recognized and accepted as a Civil Calendar, and has helped reorganize several events such as the Winter Solstice, Vernal Equinox etc. Most countries follow the date, days and events according to the Gregorian Calendar, and India is no such exception.
New Year’s Day Celebrations In India
New Year’s Day celebrations in India remain vibrant, colourful and full of merriment. People dress up colourfully, organize New Year’s get-togethers, parties and bashes for their loved ones, family and friends, office colleagues and sometimes, clients. Various games are played, music and dance programs are held and people live the time of their lives.
In various metropolitan areas in India, people can be seen indulging in leisurely activities such as attending parties in night clubs, going to theatres, eating at restaurants and visiting amusement parks to make the best out of this day. Happy New Year wishes are exchanged between natives and their families, friends, loved ones and well-wishers. Happy New Year messages, cards, voice notes etc. are exchanged, and people give extravagant gifts to their closed ones. Indian Media channels cover various celebrations and events held nationwide throughout the day.
Usually, people are seen tired and resting from the past night festivities on the New Year’s Eve. Therefore, mostly they are seen resting within their houses and spending time with their families. Planning numerous New Year Resolutions is another “ritual” people follow vigorously. Such resolutions can be associated with health, profession, education, career, diet, body maintenance, developing good habits etc.
In several parts of India, people can be seen bursting crackers, lighting diyas and lighting up their houses to mark the occasion. Delicious meals, dishes etc. are prepared and shared with the family, loved ones, and neighbours. New Year observance in India marks a sense of unity and happiness.
New Year’s Day Wishes & Greetings
Use the New Year’s Day greetings tow ish your loved ones a Happy New Year:
1. “May this new year bring you much joy and fun. May you find peace, love and success. Sending my heartiest new year wish for you!”
2. “Wave goodbye to the old and embrace the new with full of hope, dream and ambition. Wishing you a happy new year full of happiness!”
3. “May the New Year start with fresh joys and a life filled with peace. May you get warmth and togetherness and prosperity too. Happy New Year!”
4. “A New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year.”
5. “Becoming your friend was the best thing I’ve done in last year. I would really like to keep this friendship alive for the rest of my life! Happy New Year!”
New Year’s Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Tue | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 2020 | Wed | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 2021 | Fri | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 2022 | Sat | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 2023 | Sun | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 2025 | Wed | 1 January | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
FAQs
1. Is New Year’s Day a bank holiday in India?
New Year’s Day is observed as a bank holiday in India.
2. Do Indians celebrate New Year once?
In India, different follow different calendars (lunar, solar, lunisolar) and observe New Year’s Day on different dates accordingly.
3. Is Ugadi the Hindu New Year?
Ugadi is observed as a New Year in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
New Year’s Day Celebrations In Other Countries
- New Year’s Day in the United States
- New Year’s Day in the UK
- New Year’s Day in Australia
- New Year’s Day in Canada
- New Year’s Day Celebrations Around the World
From the above information, it is evident that the festival of New Year’s Day 2024 in India is observed on Monday, 1 January 2024 with great enthusiasm.
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