Category: 2015

Get a April 2015 Calendar with holidays and you will see quite a few important events or festival falling on several days of the month.

April 2015 Holidays

Get a March 2015 Calendar with holidays and you will see quite a few important events or festival falling on several days of the month.

March 2015 Holidays

Get a February 2015 Calendar with holidays and you will see quite a few important events or festival falling on several days of the month.

February 2015 Holidays

Date: The Islamic New Year begins with ‘Muharram’, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of the month of Muharram and it is welcomed once the moon can be seen. When plotted against the Gregorian calendar, the date would be October 14, 2015 (Wednesday). According to the Muslim calendar it would commence the Islamic year of 1437.

Calendar System: The Muslim calendar system is known by the name of Hijri (AH). The Hijri calendar consists of twelve months that are made of 354 days. This is a lunar based calendar. As such when coordinated with the modern day calendar, the date of the Muslim New Year changes from one year to another year. The first month of the Islamic calendar is known as Muharram, and the Muslims consider this month to be one of the holiest months. The first day of the month of Muharram is the Islamic or Muslim New Year.

Observances: Islamic New Year celebration is not too joyous. In fact the Muslims observe their New Year in the most somber manner. It is that time of the year when the pious Muslims are encouraged to think about their life and to make a resolution so that they never deviate from the path of virtue or disobey the moral guidelines that have been provided by the Prophet. Special prayers are organized at the mosques and people in large number attend the mosques and visit the dargas. This is also the day when special reverence is paid to the Prophet Muhammad. Another tradition that is attached to the New Year celebration for the Muslims is to narrate the way Muhammad retreated from Medina to Mecca. The Shia sect of the Muslims often takes out processions where scenes from the Battle of Karbala are enacted. Donating to charity is considered auspicious on this day.

Mourning of Muharram: Muharram observances are linked with the period of mourning that the Muslims follow to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein-Ibn-Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Karbala. Hussein was martyred in his attempt to protect the identity of Islam. He was martyred on the tenth day of the holy month of Muharram. The tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura. The Muslims however begin the period of mourning from the first day of the holy month which comes to an end on Ashura. Hussein is believed to have been martyred at magrib which is the period of dusk just after sunset. Special prayers are held at the mosques dedicated to Hussein. People dressed in black attend the prayers and pay their homage to Hussein and also express their condolences.

Procession of Muharram: Islamic New Year celebrations run for ten days – it begins on the first day of the holy month of Muharram and comes to an end on the tenth day of the month. On the tenth day it is a custom for people to join in a procession on the roads carrying a replica of Hussein’s tomb. People mourn the death of the Prophet’s noble grandson who embraced martyrdom in his attempt to protect Islam and its identity. People often enact plays and perform dances which remind fellow beings of the sacrifice that Hussein and his followers made and the sufferings they had to undertake. Scenes from the Battle of Karbala too are often enacted.

New Year 2015

With all these taken care of, now you can pay attention to the other stuffs that would make the advent of the New Year more special for you!

Reconnecting with near and dear ones:

Today’s busy world keeps us engaged round the clock. This often makes us drift away from our near and dear ones no matter how much we would like to spend quality time with them. Remedy all that this time of the year by filling the hearts of your family and friends with warmth and making them feel wanted and special. Preparing special meals, buying thoughtful gifts are just some ways of showing your love. In case your dear one is away from you, do not forget to send greetings, wishes or gifts to show your love and care.

Date: Traditional Korean New Year goes by the name of Seollal. This is celebrated in accordance with the lunar calendar. However, Korea does not stop at celebrating their traditional New Year only. They also celebrate with much zeal and zest the modern day new year on January 1.

As such, New Year in Korea is celebrated twice, once in accordance to the modern day Gregorian calendar, and then again following the traditions as per the lunar calendar. The sate for Korean New Year Seollal in the year 2015 is Thursday, February 19.

Overview: Seollal is considered to be the most important of all the traditional holidays that are observed in Korea. The first day of the lunar calendar is observed to be the traditional Korean New Year. This is the day that comes on the second new moon after the day of the winter solstice.

However, in very rare cases exceptions are noticed – this happens when an intercalary eleventh or twelfth month comes in between the months leading up to the lunar New Year. When such an incident happens celestially, then the traditional Korean New Year celebrations get postponed to the third new moon day after the winter solstice. Traditionally, the Korean New Year celebrations last for three days.

Traditional Customs: Seollal is a traditional celebration that involves only close friends and family members. This is the time of the year when people head back home or hometown to unite with family and friends. By family, extended family and even in laws are included. Even if people reside away from their hometown for whatever reason, when it is time to celebrate traditional Korean New Year, the celebrations are not complete unless celebrated at home with family, relatives and the intimate circle of friends. People are seen to adorn the traditional clothing that goes by the name of hanbok. The other traditional Korean New Year celebrations include –

• Charye – In Korea, the traditional New Year is the time for people to visit their family or ancestral home. There it is the custom to perform a ritual dedicated to the ancestors. This is in essence a memorial service dedicated to the ancestors.
• Sebae — Sebae is the tradition of taking a deep bow before the elders as a mark of respect. In return, the elders bless the younger ones and wish them luck in the upcoming year, and usually gift them some money in beautiful Korean silk bags.
• Soju – This colorless alcohol is made from rice, wheat and barley that is part of the customs involving the New Year celebrations. As per the traditions, the elders are supposed to hand glasses of soju around. The custom is to never fill glasses until they are empty, and also to fill up glasses of others and not of self. It is considered that consuming Soju will help to keep one healthy and also help to drive away any bad aura, and make the New Year a lucky and healthy one.
• Tteokguk – This soup made up of sliced rice cakes is an essential part of traditional celebrations, be it birthdays or New Year. Having it is considered auspicious.
• Folk games – Some games and sports are associated with New Year celebrations in Korea, and are played with much fervor. Kite Flying is one of them. A popular board game is known as Yunnori. Other games are also played, like, gonggi, neolttwigi, jegichagi etc.

Desktop Calendars 2015 would help to mark your dates easily at the convenience and privacy of your own gadget, and would keep those dates before your eyes at all times so that you never miss any of them ever again.

We at 123NewYear are constantly striving each year to bring you something unique and something more useful for your benefit. Our Desktop Calendars 2015 are available in a variety of colors, templates, sizes and designs – so there would surely be one that would suit your taste and match your requirement. We have also remembered to include the important dates and the important celebrations round the year to help you plan your schedules in advance.

We have also designed the Desktop Calendars 2015 in a manner so that you can easily download them to make these adorn the home screen of your gadget. For the not so net savvy ones these can be printed to be put on your work desk top.

So whether you are planning a work meeting, or scheduling a travel (professional or personal), whether you are planning a leave or are anxious to know the dates of major festivities round the year, Desktop Calendars 2015 would have all the information organized for you right before your eyes on your personal gadget for your convenience and the ease of operation too.

Desktop Calendar 2015

More 2015 Desktop Calendars

Aries Love Horoscope 2015 is about learning to conquer any issues that may create a barrier in your intimacy with your partner.

In the beginning of the year you may find that you are not being able to devote your 100% to your relationship – something, you feel, is not clicking – something that was holding you back to reach that pinnacle of romance and intimacy. You shall have to be patient in your relationship.

You shall come across a lot of new people, people with varied interests, and the child like state of mind that you possess would make you feel attracted towards these diversities.

But before you make a decision you should know whether you shall be able to match your frequencies in the long run. The first half of the year would test your judgment, and if you choose well, the second half of the year would fill your life with passion and love making your love life an enthralling one.

Positions of Planets/ Stars:

The beginning of the year 2015 may find the Planet Venus retrograde in your natal chart. Venus is the planet of love. As such, the initial few months of the year may make you face some hitches in the relationship sector. The discord you feel may leave both you and your partner discontented. However, on the positive side, this would push you to find the root cause of the discord and resolve it for good.

During this half of the year Planet Mercury also takes a retrograde position in your natal chart. This is also one of the major reasons why you and your partner may not feel to be on the same page. Retrograde status of Mercury would hamper your communication skills, and may also provoke you to lose your temper pretty often. This combination is not an ideal one for romance.

Post August Planet Jupiter would enter into the scenario. This would imbibe you with the sense of judgment to help you overcome your compatibility issues. This is the phase when you shall experience the fulfillment in love. Astrologically speaking, this is the right time for Aries born single natives to find a mate or for the committed ones to tie the knot.

Suggestions for Amicable Compatibility:

Compatibility would be perhaps the best way to overcome the hitches in your love life. You can consider doing that my enrolling in activities of mutual interest. This would keep the both of you happily occupied along with allowing you to spend some quality time with each other. A romantic vacation would also help you to bring back the spark. Also remember, whatever the provocation might be, how much difficult times your relationship may be going through, if you want your relationship to flourish, you have to be absolutely loyal to it and also to your partner.

Pisces Love Horoscope 2015 speaks of a year that would be full of intimacy and sweetness. If you are already into a relationship you shall experience a further strengthening of your bond. You shall be able to lean on your partner for support all through.

If you are still single chances are that you shall meet the love of your life during the course of the year. You shall develop a friendship where you shall feel a connection strong enough to take it one step up and treasure it for a lifetime.

You and your partner would show mutual love, admiration, appreciation, respect and adoration – a combination that would further beautify your bond of love. This sense of stability in your personal relationship would give you more confidence for self expression. You shall be far more willing to be adventurous in your romance and this will keep the flame alive.

Positions of Planets/ Stars:

The bliss that you shall experience in your love life would be largely due to the influence of Planet Jupiter in your natal chart. This would make it easier for you to get along with your loved ones. It would also help you in forming new partnerships. This would also bring a phase of happy enjoyment in your romance. Planet Mars would also make an entry along side in the beginning of the second half of the year. This would motivate you to be more affectionate and intimate making your relationship go to the next level. Married couples may find this year auspicious to begin or expand family. It is also a good time for those single Pisces born natives to get engaged, and for those who are engaged to tie the knot.

There would be one month from mid September to mid October however when Planet Mercury would stay in a retrograde position. This may bring back people and incidences from the past to the forefront. You may suddenly feel nostalgic about old flames. Some of you may even chance across your old flame in a sudden meeting. You should have the full sense of judgment to know where to draw the line for your own good in the long term.

Suggestions for Amicable Compatibility:

You are by nature a gentle person who likes to cling on to your partner. You are emotionally too engrossed in your relationship. This may cause a sense of suffocation to your partner. Always remember that every healthy relationship needs some space and freedom, and the lack of it could be detrimental to any partnership no matter how strong. Keep in mind that just as you expect strength and support from your partner, your partner too may expect the same from you. So brace yourself to be strong enough to give your mate the same kind of confidence that she/ he imbibes in you.

Shinto Holiday Calendar 2015 is about the traditions and customs that are typical of the Shinto community. Shinto community originated in Japan many centuries ago – about five hundred years before the birth of Christ.

Shinto community has polytheistic set of beliefs and principles, and as such there is no single scripture or doctrine that can lay down the different observances that are followed by people who adhere to Shinto faith.

Shinto faith stresses on the innate virtues that a human soul is naturally blessed with. A peculiarity of a Shinto shrine is that there is no specific religious scripture or deity on display.

Shinto Shrines are all about symbolic representations – the altar represents the place where the deities are believed to be omnipresent, jewels and swords represent regalia while mirror that can reflect light is considered to represent the Sun who is considered very powerful and is of course the source of light. Shinto priests lead the ceremonial prayer before the objects on the altar. This prayer I known as Norito, and this is dedicated to all deities at large.

Below we bring for you the the Shinto Holiday Calendar for the year 2015 with a brief yet descriptive narration about the customs that are observed in each one.

• Wednesday, January 1, Oshogatsu (or Shogatsu) – This is the Shinto New Year. To observe this, people visit the Shrine to pray for good luck and to make resolutions to stick to the virtues in the coming year.
• Wednesday, January 7, Koshogatsu – This is the Shinto rite to honor Goddess Izanami, partner of God Izanagi. Together they created the Nature and the Kami (cosmic energies) as the Shintos believe.
• Wednesday, January 15, Seijin Shiki (Adults' Day) – This is the day when young Shinto men and women celebrate the attainment of adulthood. Those who have attained the age of twenty in the previous year are considered to be adults for the purpose. They visit the shrines to pay tribute.
• Monday, February 3, Rissun (Setsubun) – This day when the Shinto community celebrates the beginning of Spring. Traditional celebrations include throwing of beans at the Shrines. The priests throw lucky beans towards the gathering while the people who assemble there attempt to catch them. At homes, the eldest male member is supposed to throw around roasted beans which is believed to send away demons and welcome good luck.
• Tuesday, February 17, Toshigoi – This is the Shinto rite to honor Kami and to offer prayers so that they are blessed with a bountiful rice harvest.
• Monday, March 3, Hina-matsuri (Festival of Dolls or Girls’ Day) – This is the day when girls are honored. Prayers are offered for the health and the well beings of young girls. It is a common tradition for families with little girls to decorate a multilevel podium covering it with red carpet ad placing ornamental dolls on it as per the tradition of hierarchy. Offers like rice cakes, peach blossoms etc are put before them.
• Friday, March 21, Shubun-sai (Equinox Day) – This is the day when the Shinto community embrace fresh new spirits. The homes are given a thorough spring cleaning. People often visit the cemeteries of their ancestors and pay homage and leave fresh flowers as a mark of remembrance.
• Sunday, May 3, Taue Matsuri – This is the traditional Shinto festival of planting rice. People pray for a bountiful harvesting season.
• Tuesday, May 5, Tango-no-Sekku – This is the Shinto festival when prayers are offered for the good health and wellbeing of the young boys. Families with young boys wish for their prosperity and pray so that the boys are protected from evil spirits.
• Tuesday, June 30, Oharai/ Grand Purification Festival – This is the Shinto rite of exorcising evil from the world. Devotees are cleansed and purified from offenses committed.
• Saturday, November 15, Shichigosan (7-5-3 festival) – This is the day when parents of young children pray to God thanking for gifting their children a healthy life and also wishing a safe, prosperous and happy future for their wards. The name of the festival has been coined after the ages of the children. Here schichi denotes seven, go means five and san represents three. Boys aged three and five, and girls aged three and seven participate in the function.
• Sunday, November 23, Niinamesei – This festival originated as a harvest festival. Traditionally, the Royal Family used to perform thanksgiving rituals on this day praying for a good harvesting season and thanking for the crops that have been produced. In the modern connotation, however, when the society is no more chiefly agrarian, this day has turned into Labor Day celebrations where every person who is working is honored.

Hindu New Year 2015 has to be discussed under multiple sub heads. This is because of the fact that Hindu New Year celebrations differ from one region to the other.

This also includes the day and date on which is occasion is observed.

Hindu calendar system is based on very ancient principles. Also, it has undergone several changes over the years. This is the reason why Hindu New Year dates when calculated in accordance with the modern day Gregorian calendar gets changed from one year to the next. The basis of the calculation of the Hindu calendar is based on the fact that Hindu months are luni solar.

The panchanga or panjika or almanac also plays a pivotal role in the calculation of any festival based on the Hindu traditions including Hindu New Year. Although the various communities across the country celebrate their traditional New Year in a regional fashion, the main spirit of the festival remains unified. People pray to the deities thanking them for the blessings they have been showered with and also hoping that the favor would remain with them in the upcoming year too.

Apart from celebrations in the homes, it is often seen that the Hindu New Year is celebrated with much fervor by the business community. This is because of the fact that Hindu New Year is calculated on an auspicious day, and as such is considered proper for new beginnings or expansion of ventures. Hindu New Year is primarily celebrated with family. It is common to wear new clothes, decorate homes, enjoy festive meals and pay reverence to elders.

Hindu New Year celebrations in the various parts of India are discussed below. Although the dates and the customs may vary from one part to another, it is significant to note that the actual spirit of the event remains the same in every part of the country.

• Punjab – Baisakhi – Tuesday, April 14, 2015: This is not only the beginning of the traditional New Year, but also marks the harvest festival of Punjab. This is because of the fact that Punjab has always been primarily an agrarian State, and as such is it but obvious that there would be a festival to celebrate for the bounty of crops that the farmers have reaped and thank God for the same. The mood is celebratory. The vibe is as vibrant and colorful as any festive event in Punjab. People wear colorful new clothes and the traditional dance form of bhangra further accentuates the festive spirit.
• Assam – Rongali Bihu – Wednesday, April 15, 2015: On the first day of the Asamese month of Bohaag the State of Assam commemorates two events – the advent of their traditional New Year and the beginning of Spring season there. This occasion is celebrated with festive fervor. Traditional forms of dancing and singing are mandatory to celebrate the occasion.  
• Bengal – Naba Barsha – Wednesday, April 15, 2015: This is celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Baisakh. The day is considered auspicious to take the first step in any sphere. People worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Ganesha for overall wellbeing. It is also believed that the way one spends the first day of the New Year would be a reflection on the way the person would spend the rest of the year. As such homes are cleansed and decorated, new clothes are worn, sumptuous meals are consumed, friends and family members are paid visits, and respect is paid to elders of the family.
• Tamil Nadu – Puthandu – Tuesday, April 14, 2015: Tamils celebrate New Year on the first day of their traditional month of Chithirai. It is customary to light an oil lamp on this day to eradicate all forms of darkness and also to usher in prosperity.  
• Kerala – Vishu – Wednesday, April 15, 2015: New Year in Kerala is celebrated on the Malayalam month of Medam. People pray to God for the overall wellbeing in the upcoming months. It is also a custom to make an offering that is known as Vishukanni to the Gods and it is mandatory to see this Vishukanni the first thing in the morning.
• Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka – Ugadi – Saturday, March 21, 2015: This is celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaitra in the bright moon phase of the month. The word Ugadi literally translated means “New Age”. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the Universe on this day. This is basically a family oriented celebration when members of the family get together for prayers and festive meals.
• Maharashtra – Gudi Padwa – Saturday, March 21, 2015: This is celebrated on the first day of the bright lunar phase of the Indian month of Chaitra. As per the legends, on this day Lord Brahma is believed to have created the Universe. This is also the day when as per the Indian epic Ramayana Lord Ram, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killed the Demon King Ravana and returned home. The day upholds the spirit of virtue conquering vices. Marathi households on this dau puts up a banner which is known as gudi that covers a metal pot wrapped in silk cloth and has the swastika symbol painted on it.
• Kashmir – Navreh — Saturday, March 21, 2015: The traditional Kashmiri New Year day is celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaitra in the bright phase of the moon. This day finds mention in the ancient scriptures like Rajtarangini and Nilamat Purana.
• Orissa/ Odisha – Maha Vishuva Sankranti – Tuesday, April 14, 2015: This marks the traditional New Year day as per the Oriya customs. On this day people pray for good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. Among the traditional customs, a significant one is to offer a fruit based drink that is known as pana to the deities.