Nowruz is a spring festival that marks the beginning of the Persian New Year. It is celebrated on the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st, and is observed by millions of people in Iran, Central Asia, and other parts of the world.
The word Nowruz means “new day” in Persian and is believed to have originated in ancient Zoroastrian traditions. The festival is a time for renewal and rebirth, and is celebrated with a range of customs and rituals.
Some of the most common customs associated with Nowruz include the cleaning of homes and the preparation of special foods, such as sabzi polo (herb rice) and haft sin (a table setting with seven symbolic items). Other traditions include jumping over fires, visiting friends and family, and exchanging gifts.
Nowruz is recognized as a public holiday in many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. It is also celebrated by many Persian communities around the world, including in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Why people celebrate Nowruz ?
People celebrate Nowruz for various reasons, including cultural, historical, and religious significance.
From a cultural perspective, Nowruz is an important festival in many countries and regions, particularly in Iran and Central Asia, where it is a time of renewal, celebration, and cultural identity. The holiday brings people together and provides an opportunity for families and communities to connect and share traditions.
From a historical perspective, Nowruz has roots in ancient Persian traditions and is thought to have been celebrated for over 3,000 years. The festival represents the start of a new year and the beginning of spring, marking the end of the old and the start of the new. It has been celebrated by various civilizations throughout history, including the Persians, Babylonians, and Sumerians.
From a religious perspective, Nowruz has significance for followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. Zoroastrians view the festival as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and the renewal of the world.
Overall, Nowruz is a celebration of hope, renewal, and new beginnings. It brings people together and helps them connect with their cultural and historical roots while celebrating the beauty and potential of the world around them.
How to Celebrate Nowruz ?
Nowruz is celebrated in many different ways, depending on the region and cultural traditions. However, there are several common customs and practices associated with the festival that are observed by many people. Here are some ways to celebrate Nowruz:
Spring cleaning: Prior to Nowruz, many people engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes and surroundings, symbolizing a fresh start and renewal.
Haft Sin table: Setting up a special table known as Haft Sin, which is a table containing seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter “sin”. These items typically include Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts), Samanu (a sweet pudding made from wheat germ), Senjed (the dried fruit of the oleaster tree), Seer (garlic), Seeb (apple), Somagh (sumac), and Serkeh (vinegar).
Visiting family and friends: Nowruz is a time for reconnecting with family and friends, and many people visit their loved ones to exchange greetings and gifts.
Food: Special food and sweets are prepared during Nowruz, such as Sabzi Polo (herbed rice with fish or chicken), Ash Reshteh (noodle soup with beans and herbs), and Koloocheh (a type of cookie).
Lighting bonfires: In some regions, people light bonfires to symbolize the burning away of the old year and the arrival of the new one.
Playing games: Many people play traditional games during Nowruz, such as egg decorating, Buzkashi (a horse-mounted game), and tug of war.
Giving to charity: Some people donate to charity or perform acts of kindness during Nowruz as a way to start the new year with a positive and giving spirit.
Overall, Nowruz is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewal, and is observed in many different ways across cultures and regions.
What country celebrates Nowruz?
Nowruz is celebrated in many countries and regions around the world, particularly in Iran and Central Asia, where it is a national holiday. It is also celebrated by various communities and individuals in other parts of the world, including the Middle East, South Asia, and the Caucasus region.
Some of the countries where Nowruz is recognized as a national holiday include:
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
In addition, Nowruz is celebrated by many communities in countries such as Iraq, Turkey, Russia, India, and Pakistan, among others.
Overall, Nowruz is an important festival for millions of people around the world, and it is observed in a variety of ways depending on cultural and regional traditions.
Nowruz 2023
Nowruz in 2023 will be celebrated on March 21st, which is the date of the vernal equinox. The exact timing of the equinox may vary depending on the location, but it generally occurs between March 19th and 21st.
Nowruz is a significant holiday in many countries and regions, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world and is recognized as a public holiday in many of these countries.
As with many holidays, the celebrations of Nowruz may be affected by local and global events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible that some traditional celebrations may be modified or canceled in order to prioritize public health and safety. However, people will still find ways to observe the holiday and connect with their loved ones, even if it means celebrating in a different way than usual.
