New Year 2020; 1st Muharram or 1st January?

Pakistan is land for diverse cultures and ethnic groups, New Year 2020 as per the Georgian Calendar is also celebrated.

The entire world celebrates New year 2020 on 1st January with full enthusiasm, following this culture Pakistanis also celebrate New year.

They welcome the new year with prayers, festivities and celebrations.
Even though Muharram is the New Year as per Islamic Calendar and it has been observed since 622 AD.

With the belief that Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W migrated from Makkah to Medinah.

The Islamic year that is 1st of Muharram, celebrated on 31st August, 2019.

This date varies every year due to the time difference among different Islamic countries.

Thereby, every year the Islamic year celebrated at a different date and day in the Gregorian calendar.

Muslims all over the globe welcome the Islamic new year with prayers for peace, prosperity and stability in the world.

Also, some other minorities also seen celebrating the Muslim’s new year to show respect.

On the other hand, on 1st January, it is also celebrated in Pakistan with full zest.

Since Pakistan is a diverse culture country so the celebrations also range from religious congregations to private dance parties.

People with different mindsets celebrates as per their own beliefs and perceptions.

At the restaurants and big hotels, new year parties also celebrated.

However, some people strongly dislike celebrating New Year. As per their beliefs, the only new year is the 1st of Muharram.

Furthermore, cultural shows, concerts, parties, and festivals have also now become a famous trend in Pakistan.

People also send new year wishes to their friends, family and loved ones.

On Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram people also share New Year’s wishes.

Both non-governmental and government organizations arrange parties, dinners, concerts and musical nights to celebrate New Year.

Pyrotechnic shows and fireworks also spread variant colors in the sky when the clock hit 12 in the midnight.

Special shows and programs also broadcasted on Television and Radio.

Furthermore, sometimes it is an official holiday and sometimes it is not.

However, banks announce 1st January as an official holiday. 1st January 2020 is also an official holiday for all banks throughout Pakistan.

Other daily activities go on as regularly. Markets are open; amusement parks are open.

Public transport is also available all day long.

Also, some brands offer new year sales and discount offers as their promotional and marketing strategies.

Conclusively, usually, Pakistanis celebrate 1st Muharram and 1st January both as New Year since both calendars followed in the country.

The religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrated as per the Islamic calendar.

Also, Ramadan is celebrated according to the Islamic calendar.

However, for day to day operations and in government, private and educational organizations the Gregorian calendar follows.