DescriptionAssyrians worldwide celebrate Kha b’Nissan by way of festivals, parades, and parties. In Australia, a festival is held annually, drawing in tens of thousands of Assyrians and non-Assyrians alike. Duration00:02:12Transcripts availableNoRightsAssyrian Australian AssociationAccess conditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public useNotesThe first of April marks Akitu—the Assyrian New Year, commonly referred to as Kha b’Nissan. It is the most important Assyrian national holiday, and its celebration is one of the many links between ancient and modern Assyrians.
Kha b’Nissan was not only the first day of the new year, but it also marked the start of Spring. During this time, trees and flowers would begin to bloom again. As such, the holiday was a symbol of revival—a major theme in ancient Assyrian mythology. Many Assyrians viewed this day each year as the “start of a new life.”
1992 Assyrian New Year Parade in Fairfield CBD... Fairfield City Heritage Collection, accessed 10/02/2026, https://heritagecollection.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/5724