Page introduction (keep short).
Every April, millions of people across Southeast and South Asian countries and communities celebrate the Solar New Year, marking a time of renewal, celebration, reflection and tradition.
These festivities often coincide with the start of spring, bringing a rich and vibrant mix of rituals, food and gatherings with loved ones.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Solar New Year is linked to astronomical events such as solstices and equinoxes, marking the sun’s entry into the constellation Aries. These occasions are often special events and are national public holidays in many countries.
These events include Songkran (Thai New Year), Thingyan (Burmese New Year), Choul Chnam Thmey (Cambodian/Khmer New Year), Pii Mai (Lao New Year), Aluth Avurudda (Sinhalese New Year), Puthandu (Tamil New Year), Vaisakhi (celebrated by the Sikh community), Navavarsha (Nepalese New Year), Maithil New Year (celebrated in parts of India and Nepal) and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year).
In Western Australia, these new year celebrations highlight the diverse ways in which Southeast and South Asian communities keep traditions alive and maintain a connection to their culture and heritage.