Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in Central Asia.
What is Nowruz?
When is Nowruz celebrated ?
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian calendar year, which is based on the solar cycle. The festival usually falls on or around March 21st.
Nowruz is a time for renewal, celebration, and reflection. Preparations for the festival typically begin weeks in advance, with people cleaning and decorating their homes, shopping for new clothes, and gathering ingredients for traditional dishes. On the day of Nowruz, families gather together to enjoy a feast, exchange gifts, and participate in various customs and traditions, such as jumping over bonfires, reciting poetry, and playing games.
Some of the symbolic elements of Nowruz include the Haft-Seen table, which is a display of seven items starting with the Persian letter “S”, representing various concepts such as health, prosperity, and love. Another important tradition is the act of spring cleaning, which symbolizes the removal of negativity and the embracing of positivity and new beginnings.
Nowruz is not only celebrated by Persian and Iranian communities, but also by many other cultural and religious groups around the world, including Zoroastrians, Baha’is, and Ismailis. It is recognized as an official holiday in several countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.
When is Nowruz celebrated ?
Nowruz is celebrated on the first day of spring, which falls on or around March 21st. This date corresponds to the vernal equinox, when the length of day and night are equal, and marks the beginning of the Persian calendar year. However, the celebrations for Nowruz typically last for several days, and preparations for the festival usually begin weeks in advance. Nowruz is an important cultural and traditional festival for many communities around the world, particularly in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East.