This Day in History: January 1

New Year

In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day is alternatively known as Old Year’s Day or St. Sylvester’s Day in various countries. December 31st is widely recognized as “New Year’s Eve,” marking the final day of the year. Typically, New Year celebrations extend from midnight on December 31st to January 1st.

Accession of Manipur State

Manipur, situated in the northeastern region of India, became a separate state on January 1, 1972, with Imphal as its capital. The dominant ethnic group in Manipur is the Meithi tribe. Historically, Manipur and Assam found themselves caught in conflicts between Thailand and Burma. To ensure their influence and counter Burmese advances, the British took control of Assam and Manipur in 1891, annexing them into their empire.

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Mumbai’s Tragic Memory

On New Year’s Day in 1978, a sad incident occurred in India. Air India Flight 855, en route from Mumbai to Dubai, met with a devastating accident just three kilometres after takeoff, plunging into the Arabian Sea. The tragic event claimed the lives of 213 people.

China’s Epochal Shift

On January 1, 1911, China marked a historic transition from a monarchy to a People’s Republic, concluding a 2,132-year era of monarchies. The movement for Chinese independence, remembered as the ‘Xinhai Revolution’ or ‘Hsinhai Revolution,’ symbolized China’s embrace of freedom on New Year’s Day. However, the Chinese celebrate their Independence Day on October 1.

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International Family Day

Recognizing the importance of family, January 1 is designated as International Family Day by the United Nations. The day encourages spending quality time with family members, fostering peace and brotherhood.

Hangover Day Tradition

In some countries, January 1 is humorously referred to as Hangover Day, particularly in Western cultures celebrating the English New Year. After revelry on December 31, characterized by partying until midnight, people often wake up exhausted, marking the so-called hangover day.

Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrated actors Sonali Bendre, Vidya Balan, and Nana Patekar all mark their birthdays on January 1st.