For centuries now, the world has been celebrating the first of January as New Year’s Day following the Gregorian Calendar. Used in most parts of the world, the Gregorian calendar was introduced in October 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a modification of, and replacement for, the Julian calendar. And though some countries follow their own calendar or year, such as China, January 1 is universally the most used and accepted beginning of a new calendar year and the day is celebrated across the globe in various forms.
And even here in Manipur, December 31 of every year is unofficially celebrated as ‘Bye, Bye Day’, so as to say goodbye to the old calendar year and welcome the new calendar year. And New Year is marked with celebrations by families, villages, associations, etc. in many ways. And even as we celebrate a brand new year, there is a question that we should ask ourselves. What’s new in us? What changes can we make or affect so that the society we live in becomes better.
Every year, on January 1, a brand calendar New Year will be celebrated. People will celebrate and rejoice in the success of the previous year while some will pray that the new year will bring them better luck and success – that they should not face the hardships and difficulties that they faced in the previous year. Prayers and wishes will abound. However, how much are we ready to change ourselves so that success is not just ours alone but for society?
A New Year is not just a new calendar year. But it is also a new opportunity given to us to be better, to improve ourselves and for many, to rise up again and prove themselves. Too often, January 1 or the New Year’s Day has been just celebrated as the beginning of a brand-new year. But it is a new opportunity given to us, to better ourselves so that the society can also gain from us if we have been selfish in the previous year. It is an opportunity given to us to help our neighbours and those in need of us. For without all these values, what is the need of a new year? What is the need of celebrating a new year if we are not to improve ourselves, help those in need and watch out for our neighbours.
So, ask yourselves what a brand-new year means to you; if it is just about parties on December 31 and January 1 and then lead the same old life. Or are you given a new opportunity to make the world a better place?
(The views expressed are personal)
