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January 9
Seijin-no-hi (SH)
This is the Japanese coming-of-age ceremony. It is held annually on Coming-of-Age Day, the second Monday in January. Festivities include ceremonies held at local and prefectural offices and parties amongst family and friends to celebrate passage into adulthood.

January 12-15
Mahayana New Year (BU)
A New Year is a special time because it urges people to make a new beginning with the onset of a fresh new year. In Buddhism, too, the significance of the New Year is no less. However, given the fact that Buddhism is practiced in many countries around the world, the time and method of celebrating it varies from place to place.

January 13
Lohri
Lohri is a popular Punjabi festival celebrated by people from the Punjab region of South Asia. The origins of Lohri are many and link the festival to Punjab region. Many people believe the festival commemorates the passing of the winter solstice as Lohri was originally celebrated on winter solstice day, being the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
January 14

Makar Sankranti (HI)
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in almost all parts of India and Nepal in a myriad of cultural forms. It is a harvest festival marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. The day is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India and is a traditional event.