Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year. In Afghanistan, the festival is also the official beginning of the Sun Calendar.
The exact moment of the New Year (called “year”) is determined by astronomical calculations. It occurs in spring, when the day and night in the northern hemisphere are almost equal. Every year, this opportunity is reduced to the second time.
If the new year happens before noon, the same day is considered the first day of the Iranian sun calendar. If it drops after noon, the new year will begin on the next day.
For example, in 2025, the New Year in Iran will take place at 12:31:30 PM local time (10:01:30 AM CET). Therefore, March 21, 2025 will be the first day of the 1404 solar year in the Iranian calendar.
This precise astronomical computing system was developed by the famous Iranian astronomer, poet and philosopher Omar Khayyam. He also played a key role in creating the Jalali calendar, which remains the basis for Iran’s current solar calendar. The starting point of the calendar was Hijra-in AD 622, the prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina.
Dance for Nowruz – Courtesy: UNESCO
The Origin of Nowruz
Nowruz dates back over 3000 years and originates from the ancient Persian Empire and Zoroastrian calendar.
For Zoroastrians, Nowruz marked the creation of the world (Giti) and humans. During the Achaemenid era, the festival was celebrated in Persepolis, and the king welcomed the envoy and received gifts from their vast empire. In fact, historical evidence suggests that one of the main functions of Persepolis is to host Nowruz celebrations.
Zoroastrian religion predated the Achaemenid dynasty and played an important role in shaping the traditions of Noruz. However, over the past few centuries, music festivals have evolved into secular celebrations, embraced by different ethnic and cultural groups.
Its endurance lies in its powerful symbolism–the victory over darkness in nature and in human spirit, and the hope of a new starting point.
Who celebrates Nowruz?
Today, 300 million people around the world celebrate Nowruz, marking not only the beginning of the New Year, but also the victory of life and light over darkness.
Initially bringing together peoples in Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries (including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan), Novs have been distributed in the Caucasians, the Balkans and other regions. It embodies a common legacy of customs, traditions and values and has special significance to the Kurds.
In 2009, Nowruz was added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Listthe following year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declared International Nowruz Day, recognizing its role in promoting global peace and solidarity.
Celebration among the Kurds -Murad Sezer/AP
How does Nowruz celebrate?
Nowruz covers a wide variety of traditions that vary from region to region. Some customs happen before the New Year, while others last for two weeks. In all these celebrations, the theme of updates and hope remains central.
Spring cleaning and updates
On the eve of Nowruz, as spring approaches, the family has completely cleaned up their homes. This “spring cleanliness” or “eliminates dust from the past” is a symbolic act that represents a new beginning and the purification of physical and spiritual spaces.
Furthermore, those celebrating Nowruz often buy new clothes, further emphasizing the spirit of renewal and new starting point.
sebeha haft sin-arrangement of seven symbol objects – Canvas
A table of seven symbols
Haft-sin tablecloths are the central element of Nowruz, especially in Iran. It cleverly arranged seven items, with its name beginning with the Persian letter “S”. Each project represents a different aspect of life:
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Sabzeh (Wheat or lentil sprouts) symbolize rebirth, infancy and life.
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Samanu (Sweet pudding made from wheat bacteria) represents richness and blessing.
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Senjed (Dried fruit from forest trees) symbolizes love.
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prophet (garlic) represents health and rehabilitation.
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seb (Apple) symbolizes beauty and health.
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Somke (Sumac) means the victory of kindness and the victory of the rising sun.
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Selke (Vinegar) symbolizes patience, aging and the passage of time.
In addition to these main symbols, other items starting with “S” are included, such as hyacinths and clocks.
Haft-sin tables are often decorated with mirrors, candlesticks, colorful eggs and red fish, which represent the passage of the twelfth and last zodiac Pisces.
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It is also common to place Hafiz’s poems or mountain gods on the Quran on the table. Many families have traditions to randomly open the book and read a poem or poem and seek guidance for the year to come.
haft sin – symbol of nowruz related to elements – Canvas
Fire fighting ceremony
In many areas, people participate in fire-related celebrations, such as “Chaharshanbe Suri” or “Red Wednesday” in Iran.
The celebration was on the last Tuesday before Nowruz, involving families who gathered around the fire and skipped it. The act symbolizes the cleanliness, renewal and liberation of the past, while embracing the warmth and vitality of spring.
Scarlet Wednesday; Iranian festival celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz – Associated Press Photos
Traditional food
Food plays a crucial role during Nowruz, preparing and sharing special dishes among family and friends. In Iran, families enjoy vegetables by pilaf and Sabzi Polow (Rice), often paired with fish.
The outstanding feature of Nowruz feast is Somālak (also known as Sumanak),dessert. Cook slowly for a few hours, Somālak It symbolizes the gradual and certain arrival of spring and the hope of a new starting point.
Visit friends and family
During his time at Nowruz, I am used to visiting friends and family. Traditionally, young family members have visited their parents and older relatives to wish them a happy New Year and celebrate the arrival of spring.
In return, the elders often give gifts, usually Eddie (Cash), locally known as da’dias a symbol of blessing.
In Zoroastrian culture, this ritual represents Mahrūrzaia deep respect for the older generation.
During these visits, families usually offer guests a variety of snacks, such as nuts (including pistachios, almonds and dried fruits) and a variety of pastries. However, this tradition gradually disappeared in Iran due to the rising cost of living.
“Nature Day”
Siyez-e Badr is an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated on April 13, also known as “Nature Day”. It marks the conclusion of Nowruz celebrations, often when people leave their homes and spend their day outdoors.
While the number 13 is often associated with doom in Iranian culture, this tradition of leaving the house is more closely related to celebrating the natural world and the end of Nowruz, rather than any superstition with the numbers themselves.
