Celebrating South and Southeast Asian Solar New Year

South and Southeast Asian Solar New Year (SSASNY) is celebrated in many places around the world including India,Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Laos. SSASNY is based on the Hindu calendar known as Panchang, an ancient lunisolar calendar system.*


History and Significance

The history of SSASNY varies but some believe that it marks the day of creation commenced by Lord Bhrama, the Hindu god of creation.†

SSASNY is a time for purification, renewal, and reflection. Communities use this time to cleanse themselves from negativity and honour their ancestors and elders. They also practice generosity and renew their commitment to spirituality.

SSASNY is celebrated in many different countries for centuries with some dating as far back as 2000 years ago.‡ Some of the different names for the new year are:


  • Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer/Cambodian New Year)
  • Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
  • Aluth Awurudda (Sinhala New Year)
  • Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
  • Songkran (Thai New Year)
  • Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
  • Ugadi (Telugu New Year)
  • Vishu (Malayali New Year)
  • Thingyan (Myanmar New Year)


Traditions and Rituals

SSASNY is celebrated in many different countries where each have their own unique traditions are rituals.

Water Festivals
This involves people playfully splashing water on each other. This washes away bad luck and brings in good fortune for the new year. This tradition plays a significant role in Songkran (Thai New Year) and it is covered by UNCESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Paying respect to elders
In some cultures, people visit their elders and young people pour water on the hands of elders as a gesture of respect. This to gain their blessings for good health in the new year.

Acts of Charity

People do good deeds such as giving charity and supporting the poor or community projects. They may also donate food and necessities to temples which is believed to give good Karma.

Visiting Temples
People visit temples to participate in different traditions such has creating sandhills, also known as a Stupa.#

Family and Community Gatherings
The New Year is a time for people to come together with their families to share meals and enjoy each other's company. This also include large community gatherings and processions to mark the arrival of the new year like the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Mangal Shobhajatra in Bangladesh.§


Share with us how you celebrate!

Please share with us how you celebrate South and Southeast Asian Solar New Year.