While many people ring in the New Year on January 1st, not all countries and cultures follow the same calendar. Why some countries celebrate New Year in March or September is a fascinating reflection of history, religion, and astronomy. From ancient kingdoms to spiritual customs, these celebrations reveal how different civilisations interpret time, seasons, and the meaning of renewal.
Why some countries celebrate New Year in March or September
Not all New Year celebrations are tied to the Gregorian calendar. In fact, dozens of countries and ethnic groups observe their own calendar systems based on lunar, solar, or lunisolar cycles. These calendars often begin in March or September, aligning with equinoxes, harvest seasons, or religious cosmologies. Many of these dates predate January 1st as a marker of time and were once the global norm.
Nowruz. A 3,000-year-old Persian New Year that welcomes spring
Nowruz (also spelled Norooz or Nawruz), meaning “new day,” is one of the oldest New Year traditions still celebrated. Rooted in Zoroastrianism and observed for over three millennia, Nowruz coincides with the spring equinox, typically on March 20 or 21.
Nowruz is recognised as a public holiday in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Albania, and parts of India and China. UNESCO added Nowruz to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Families clean their homes (khaneh takani), visit elders, host large feasts, and set the iconic Haft-Seen table. Items like garlic (symbol of medicine), apple (beauty), and coins (wealth) symbolise hopes for the new year.
Nowruz also marks the beginning of the Iranian calendar year. It is considered a secular and cultural celebration across many communities, even outside religious contexts.
Ethiopia. A September New Year rooted in ancient timekeeping
Ethiopia follows its own calendar – based on the Alexandrian calendar – which is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Their New Year, Enkutatash, is celebrated on September 11 (or 12 during leap years). The name means “gift of jewels” and commemorates the return of Queen Makeda (the Queen of Sheba) from her visit to King Solomon.
The date also marks the end of the rainy season and the first month of Meskerem, the beginning of the Ethiopian year. Yellow meskel daisies bloom across the countryside, symbolising renewal. Girls perform traditional songs while handing out painted pictures, and families enjoy spicy stews and honey wine (tej).
Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish New Year of soul-searching and renewal
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, usually occurs in September or early October. It falls on the first two days of the Hebrew month Tishrei, which marks the creation of the world according to Jewish tradition.
Rather than partying, Rosh Hashanah encourages reflection and spiritual introspection. It kicks off the Ten Days of Awe, leading to Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. Traditional customs include dipping apples in honey (for a sweet year), hearing the shofar (a ram’s horn trumpet), and offering prayers of repentance.
Jewish communities in Israel, Europe, North America, and beyond treat this period as both solemn and celebratory — combining personal growth with joy.
Nyepi. The silent New Year of Bali
Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu New Year, is one of the quietest holidays in the world. Celebrated in March, it marks the start of the Saka calendar, and occurs the day after the new moon closest to the spring equinox.
The day before Nyepi, villagers perform Ogoh-Ogoh parades, showcasing large demon effigies that are later burned to dispel evil spirits. On Nyepi itself, the entire island of Bali shuts down: no electricity, no transport, no speaking, and even no internet. The airport closes for 24 hours. Locals and visitors alike stay indoors for meditation and rest.
This strict observance of stillness and darkness is believed to trick evil spirits into thinking Bali is uninhabited, sparing it from misfortune.
Other New Years in March and September
- Chaitra Navratri and Ugadi in India mark the start of the Hindu lunar year in March or April, depending on region.
- Hijri New Year in some Islamic traditions occurs in September depending on the lunar cycle, though it varies widely.
- Baha’i New Year, called Naw-Rúz, is celebrated on the vernal equinox by Baha’i communities around the world.
These celebrations often blend religious observance, seasonal transition, and communal identity – making them deeply meaningful.
Why calendars differ across civilisations
The diversity in New Year dates arises from the calendar systems developed independently by different societies:
- Solar calendars track Earth’s movement around the sun (Gregorian, Iranian).
- Lunar calendars follow the moon’s cycle (Islamic, Chinese).
- Lunisolar calendars mix both (Jewish, Hindu).
In antiquity, many civilisations marked the year’s start with agricultural seasons, especially spring – a time of growth and renewal. Political reforms, religious doctrines, and colonial influences later shifted dates. For example, Julius Caesar moved Rome’s New Year to January 1st in 45 BC, a reform later inherited by the Gregorian system.
Why some countries celebrate New Year in March or September tells us more than just a date on the calendar. These traditions reflect astronomy, spirituality, cultural independence, and a deep connection to nature. From fire rituals in Bali to ancient Persian tables, these New Years reconnect millions with their roots.
In a world increasingly standardised, such diversity in timekeeping is a powerful reminder: not everyone turns the page on January 1st.
