Important DaysThursday, 1 January 2026·The Hindu
New Year 2026 Begins (1 January)
The Gregorian calendar New Year 2026 began on 1 January, observed worldwide as the start of the new year.
Key highlights
Direct fact
1 January 2026 marked the start of the new year under the Gregorian calendar, the internationally used civil calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.
Key specifics
- The Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar in 1582 to correct the drift of the equinoxes.
- India officially adopted the Saka national calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar in 1957.
- The Gregorian year has 365 days, with a leap day added every 4 years (except certain centuries).
- Different Indian regions also follow Tamil, Vikram Samvat and Hijri new years on other dates.
Exam lens
Important Days: the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII; India adopted the Saka calendar in 1957.