Four Countries That Won’t Celebrate New Year And Why

• Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan won’t celebrate New Year on January 1.
• These countries follow unique calendars distinct from the Gregorian system.
• Their New Year celebrations fall on dates reflecting cultural traditions.

While much of the world eagerly anticipates the arrival of 2025, some countries will not mark January 1 as the start of a new year due to their unique calendar systems.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that these nations include Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan, each following distinct timekeeping traditions rooted in their cultural and historical heritage.

Ethiopia: The Ethiopian Calendar
Ethiopia’s calendar, based on the Coptic system, consists of 13 months—12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month, Pagumē, with five or six days in leap years. Their New Year, Enkutatash, falls on September 11 or 12 of the Gregorian calendar. Notably, Ethiopia is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning they are still in 2017 as the rest of the world enters 2025.

Nepal: Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat
Nepal follows two traditional calendars: Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar, and Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar. The New Year, celebrated as Bisket Jatra, falls in April, making January 1 an ordinary day in Nepal.

Iran: The Solar Hijri Calendar
Iran’s Solar Hijri calendar begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, Nowruz, is celebrated around March 21 with ancient customs symbolizing renewal and joy. For Iranians, January 1 is simply a mid-winter day.

Afghanistan: The Solar Hijri Calendar
Afghanistan shares the Solar Hijri calendar with Iran, observing Nowruz as the New Year. Their celebrations in March include family gatherings, feasts, and cultural events.

Like Iran, Afghanistan holds no special regard for January 1, maintaining pride in their traditional calendar.

These diverse systems highlight the cultural richness and distinctiveness of timekeeping across the world.

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