Why Hindus Celebrate New Years on January 14 Why do millions of Hindus celebrate New Year on January 14 instead of January 1? This video explains the real meaning behind Makar Sankranti and Pongal, two major Hindu festivals celebrated on the same day across India—but in very different ways. Unlike the Western New Year, which follows a civil calendar, Hindu festivals are based on the Sun’s movement and the solar calendar. On January 14, the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara) and begins its northward j