Asia is the largest continent in the world housing a large number of nations both big and small and each in turn housing a number of cultures, festivals and ways of observing them. Asia too is home to many unique and special festivals, which holds significance in certain places and are non-existent elsewhere. However one festival that is equally revered everywhere is the New Year in Asia.
Though different times and dates are attributed to the celebration of New Year in the different parts of the continent, it is however rejoiced with great enthusiasm and zeal all throughout. In fact the diversity makes it even more colorful and enticing for the on looker.
While in countries like Thailand New Year is celebrated around 13th – 15th of April and called the Songkran, the Tibetans celebrate their New Year around February and calls it Ugyen Thinley Dorje. For many parts of India, New Year coincides with the festival of Diwali and it marks the beginning of a new fiscal year.
There are different connotations to the celebrations of New Year in Asia too. While they are fun filled and high-spirited, they are nevertheless religious too. On this auspicious day, blessings are sought from the seniors in the family and the homage is paid to the ancestors in most parts of Asia.
Primarily New Year in Asia is followed according to the Gregorian calendar thus observing January 1st as the New Year day. This day is marked as an official holiday in some countries and people leave no scope in merry making. Exchanging greeting cards and gifts is the norm here and feasting rules. Big bashes and parties are thrown in every corner and specially designed tour and cruise packages keep the tourists in awe of the celebrations as well as the exotic locales.
Since Christmas is largely celebrated here only a few days prior to the New Year Day, the ambiance remains festive until New Year. Everywhere in Asia one can find shops and public places decorated and people out in the streets relieving these moments. And since it is winter in most parts, hot snacks and appetizers are relished until the clock strikes 12. The New Year Eve has passed and the New Year Day arrives with new promises, newer prospects and well being for all.
Travel.mapsofworld offers online information on New Year in Asia. For more information, visit Travel.mapsofworld
| 
