The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is a significant holiday in Indonesia. This holiday marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year and commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, and as such, the date of the Islamic New Year shifts each year when considered against the Gregorian calendar.
In Indonesia, a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, the Islamic New Year is recognized as a national holiday. Although this is a time of reflection and prayer, as well as a time for Muslims to think about the direction of their lives as it relates to their faith, there are no widely followed traditions or rituals specific to the holiday. The day is often marked with increased mosque attendance for communal prayers.
While there are no grand celebrations as the Islamic faith generally discourages excessive displays of joy, some cultural festivities are carried out in different regions of Indonesia. These may include processions, feasts for the poor, and increased charitable activities. Although it is a time of solemn observance for most, the spirit of community and charity is emphasized during the Islamic New Year in Indonesia.