Nowruz, a festival with over 3,000 years of history, brings communities together across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and the global diaspora. Meaning “New Day” in Persian, it marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal. Celebrated as the Persian New Year, Nowruz encourages cleansing rituals to move on from the past year’s misfortunes and welcome a new period of harmony and good fortune.
Though its exact origins remain uncertain, historical accounts link Nowruz to the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) in the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis. With ties to Zoroastrianism and a legacy spanning millennia, Nowruz endures today as a widely recognized festival of cultural and historical significance.
When is Nowruz celebrated?
Nowruz falls on the spring equinox, typically between March 19th and 21st, depending on the sun’s position. This astronomical event represents balance and renewal, aligning with the holiday’s themes of harmony and rebirth. Celebrations last for 13 days, culminating in Sizdah Bedar, a day dedicated to spending time in nature to ward off bad luck and welcome prosperity. In 2025, Nowruz begins on March 20th and ends on April 1st.
Where is the holiday celebrated?
Though widely known as the Persian New Year, Nowruz extends far beyond Iran. Many countries with deep Persian influence—including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Tajikistan, and regions across the Balkans, Central Asia, and the Middle East—celebrate the holiday, each with its own unique cultural traditions. In Central Asia, Nowruz reflects nomadic heritage, with communities in Kazakhstan building felt yurts (traditional nomadic homes). Culinary traditions also vary, from Haft Mewa, a fruit-and-nut medley in Afghanistan, to Shekerbura and Pakhlava, beloved pastries in Azerbaijan. On a global scale, the United Nations has declared March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz.
How do people celebrate?
Preparations begin weeks in advance with khooneh tekouni (literally “shaking the house”), a deep cleaning ritual to welcome positive energy. The theme of renewal continues with Chaharshanbe Suri, or “Red Wednesday,” held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. People jump over bonfires, symbolically burning away the past year’s misfortunes and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.
A central tradition of Nowruz is the Haft-Sin table, an arrangement of seven symbolic items each starting with the Persian letter س “sin” (pronounced “s”) to celebrate the arrival of spring:
Sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils) – rebirth
Seeb (apple) – beauty and health
Seer (garlic) – protection and strength
Serkeh (vinegar) – patience and wisdom
Sonbol (hyacinth) – spring and new beginnings
Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – fertility and abundance
Sekeh (coins) – wealth and prosperity
Families keep the Haft-Sin arrangement throughout the 13-day celebration, during which they also exchange gifts, watch music and dance performances, and share festive meals. A popular Nowruz dish is Sabzi Polo Mahi, herbed rice with fish, symbolizing renewal.
The celebrations conclude with Sizdah Bedar, when families spend the day outdoors, enjoying picnics and games. To leave behind the old year’s misfortunes, they place sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils) into flowing water, embracing prosperity and new beginnings.
Nowruz Mobarak! // !نوروز مبارک
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Nowruz!
