When is the Islamic New Year 2026? Here is the Schedule for 1 Muharram 1448 H
The month of Muharram is designated as the first month in the Hijri calendar. Referring to the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB 3 Menteri) regarding National Holidays and Collective Leave for 2026, the Islamic New Year 2026, coinciding with 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, will fall on 16 June 2026.
There will be a holiday for the Islamic New Year 2026. Through the Joint Ministerial Decree, the government has established the commemoration of the Islamic New Year 2026, or 1 Muharram 1448 H, as a national holiday. The holiday falls on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, and is not accompanied by collective leave.
Understanding the Torch Parade Tradition of 1 Muharram. One of the traditions used to commemorate the Islamic New Year in Indonesia is the torch parade (pawai obor). What is the true meaning of the 1 Muharram torch parade?
According to records, the torch parade is an activity held to enliven the Islamic New Year commemoration. Typically, members of the community wear Muslim attire while parading and carrying torches. These parades involve walking around villages or neighbourhoods to celebrate 1 Muharram or the Hijri New Year. During the parade, salutations (salawat) and praises to the Prophet Muhammad SAW are heard from the participants. To enhance the festivities, traditional instruments such as the rabana and drums are also played. The torch parade is an inclusive activity involving all ages, from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly.
According to NU Online, the 1 Muharram torch parade is not intended to be polytheistic or to assign divine value to a celebration. Instead, the activity serves as a form of propagation (siar) to welcome the new year, ensuring the Islamic New Year is as engaging as the Gregorian New Year. The salutations and praises to Allah SWT chanted during the parade also express gratitude for the arrival of the Hijri New Year. Furthermore, the torch parade often serves as a means to strengthen social bonds and community ties (silaturahmi).