About New Year’s Day
New Year's Day on 1 January marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year, the civil calendar used across India and most of the world. It is a day for fresh starts, resolutions and warm wishes to family, friends and colleagues.
New Year's Day is the first day of the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and now the standard civil calendar in most countries. The custom of starting the year in January goes back to ancient Rome. The month itself is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, often shown with two faces, one looking back at the past and one looking ahead.
In India, 1 January is the civil new year used for work, school and official life, while many communities also celebrate their own traditional new years, such as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Puthandu, Vishu, Bohag Bihu, Pohela Boishakh and Navroz.
How it is marked
Celebrations often begin on New Year's Eve with parties, family dinners and a countdown to midnight, followed by fireworks in many cities. On the day itself, people visit temples, churches and gurdwaras, spend time with family, and call or message friends. Many people make resolutions, such as exercising more, learning a skill or saving money. Offices and schools usually return with greetings, sweets and a sense of a clean slate.
What to write
A good New Year message looks back with thanks and forward with hope.
- Thank you for being part of my year. Wishing you health, happiness and plenty of laughter in the new one.
- Same terrace, same countdown, same crew next year? Happy New Year!
- To the best team I've worked with, thank you for getting through last year together. See you Monday, and happy new year.
How to wish someone on New Year’s Day
fresh starts, hopeful resolutions and thanks for the people who made the past year better
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the new year start on 1 January?
The ancient Romans began using January as the start of their year, and the Gregorian calendar introduced in 1582 kept that practice. As the Gregorian calendar spread worldwide, 1 January became the common civil new year.
Why does India have so many new year celebrations?
Many Indian communities follow traditional lunar or solar calendars with their own new year days, such as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Puthandu, Bohag Bihu and Pohela Boishakh. These are celebrated alongside 1 January, which is the civil new year.
What is a New Year resolution?
A New Year resolution is a personal promise to make a positive change in the coming year, such as eating better, reading more or spending more time with family. Small, specific goals tend to be easier to keep.
When is New Year’s Day in 2026?
New Year’s Day 2026 falls on Thursday, 1 January 2026.
What is New Year’s Day?
New Year's Day on 1 January marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year, the civil calendar used across India and most of the world. It is a day for fresh starts, resolutions and warm wishes to family, friends and colleagues.
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for New Year’s Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on New Year’s Day?
Focus on fresh starts, hopeful resolutions and thanks for the people who made the past year better. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated New Year’s Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .