1st

January

Ianuarius

Latin Script

Jan 1–31 Solar Calendar Capricorn–Aquarius (♑→♒)

Major Festivals

New Year's Day

Jan 1

The first day of the Gregorian calendar year. Celebrated globally with fireworks, countdowns, and social gatherings. Public holiday in almost every country worldwide.

Makar Sankranti / Pongal

मकर संक्रांति / பொங்கல்

Jan 14

The solar transit into Capricorn (Makar). One of the most auspicious days in the Hindu solar calendar — celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat (kite flying), Lohri in Punjab, and Makar Sankranti across North India.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (USA)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

3rd Monday Jan

US federal holiday honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marks a day of service and remembrance. Not observed in India but relevant for Indian diaspora in the USA.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Jan 1 — New Year globally, auspicious for new beginnings

✓ Jan 14 — Makar Sankranti / Pongal — highly auspicious solar transit

✓ Jan 26 — Republic Day, India — national holiday

About January

January is the first month of the Gregorian calendar and the Julian calendar, named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and doorways. It has 31 days. January marks the start of the new civil year in most of the world. For Indian communities, January is particularly significant with Makar Sankranti (Jan 14) — the solar transit into Capricorn — celebrated as Pongal, Uttarayan, and Lohri. Republic Day of India falls on January 26. The month falls in the Northern Hemisphere winter and Southern Hemisphere summer. For diaspora communities, January blends Gregorian New Year resolutions with traditional Indian solar festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the name January?

January is named after Janus, the ancient Roman god of beginnings, gates, time, and doorways — often depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and one to the future. The Romans placed Janus at the start of the calendar year as a symbol of transitions.

Why is Makar Sankranti always on January 14?

Makar Sankranti is a solar event — the sun's transit into Capricorn (Makar Rashi). Unlike lunar festivals that shift dates each year, this solar event occurs on approximately January 14 every year (occasionally Jan 15). It's one of the few Hindu festivals tied to the solar calendar.

How many days are in January?

January has 31 days every year. It does not change in leap years.

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