The Temple on New Year's Day

We visited the local temple today and the did the usual puja. The place was crowded. I was stuck by a thought. Why am I here today? We go the temple fairly regularly but why on the first of January? Then I realised that I do not know the new year day as per the Hindu calendar! That was a sobering thought. I am a practicing Hindu but I lack fundamental knowledge about my religion. A sad state of affairs I must rectify as soon as I can.