“A new year means a new morning, and a new morning means a new opportunity, and a new opportunity means a new path, and a new path means a new richness!”- Mehmet Murat ildan

New Year’s Day, January 1st, is a day of hope, resolution, and preparation. We’re trying to make the improvements we’ve been expecting to make this year: more rest, better eating habits, more exercise, and a variety of other goals and dreams.

What is the significance of the 1st of January as the start of the New Year?

The Romans worshipped Janus, a Roman god. He was the god of doors and gates, with two faces – back and forth. The two faces were said to represent a watchful eye as the Romans moved forward and fulfilled their New Year’s resolutions, one looking forward to the New Year and one looking back over the previous year.

Roman General Julius Caesar thought that January, the month named after Janus, should mark the beginning of the New Year. Thus, having established the Julian calendar, he made January 1st the first day of the year.

Similar to every other citizen out there, the new calendar year begins on the 1st of January for Sri Lankans as well despite the major ethnic groups living in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and the Tamils celebrating the cultural festival of New Year in April, as they follow the lunar calendar, making it a national celebration.

However, most people commence their work on the 1st of January and celebrate with a ‘kiribath mese’; the table comprising milk rice and other traditional sweetmeats. It is highly recommended to plan the new year ahead and work towards achieving those goals. Thus, hereby we wish each and every one of you a happy and prosperous new year!!!