{"id":8966,"date":"2025-03-06T19:39:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T19:39:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/?page_id=8966"},"modified":"2026-04-03T11:30:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:30:14","slug":"nowruz-persian-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/nowruz-persian-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Nowruz (Norooz) \u2013 Iranian New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nowruz<\/strong>, or Norooz, is the first day of the Iranian solar year, celebrated on Farvardin 1. It marks the start of the Iranian New Year<\/strong> and is one of the oldest festivals from ancient Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has its roots in ancient Iran, and people across vast regions of Asia and other parts of the world celebrate it. Nowruz <\/strong>takes place during the vernal equinox, marking the start of the spring season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy Persian new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz Date and Time<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Saturday, March 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0634\u0646\u0628\u0647\u060c \u06f1 \u0641\u0631\u0648\u0631\u062f\u06cc\u0646 \u06f1\u06f4\u06f0\u06f5 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz 2026: Local Times Around the World (Norooz 2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When is Persian New Year?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz 2026:<\/strong> Local Times Around the World When It\u2019s 12:31 PM in Tehran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table below shows what time it will be in various cities around the world at the exact moment when Nowruz, the Iranian New Year or Norooz<\/a>, starts in Tehran on Saturday, March 21, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Countries that celebrate nowruz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

People in Iran and Afghanistan consider Nowruz (Norooz<\/a>) as the start of the New Year. In several other countries, namely Tajikistan<\/strong>, Russia<\/strong>, Kyrgyzstan<\/strong>, Kazakhstan<\/strong>, Syria<\/strong>, Iraq<\/strong>, Georgia<\/strong>, the Republic of Azerbaijan<\/strong>, Albania<\/strong>, China<\/strong>, Turkmenistan<\/strong>, India<\/strong>, Pakistan<\/strong>, and Uzbekistan<\/strong>, it’s an official holiday, and the people celebrate it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a deeper dive into Nowruz celebrations worldwide, We invite you to explore our article on Nowruz Festivities Around the World: Countries and Cultures.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various ethnic groups in the region have inherited Nowruz, an ancient and traditional festival. It represents a unique Iranian identity, linking people and ethnic groups to the nation of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranians celebrate Nowruz as a time when nature comes alive, marking growth and new life in gardens and orchards. During Nowruz, people believe it’s important to start fresh. They wear new clothes and adopt a positive attitude. This reflects their connection with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNESCO has registered Nowruz, officially titled “International Nowruz Day<\/strong>,” as a cultural and spiritual heritage of humanity. Additionally, this day holds significance as one of the sacred days and religious holidays for Zoroastrians<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

For over two millennia, Iran’s history has been marked by a series of significant changes and upheavals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This land was once conquered by Alexander the Great, but it has proudly kept its traditional customs. Approximately 1,400 years ago, it withstood invasions by Arab Muslims. Despite a subsequent silence that endured for two centuries, it tenaciously maintained its essence. The Mongol onslaughts later tested the Iranian resolve and identity yet again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its storied existence, Iran has perennially emerged from its adversities, sovereign and unyielding, akin to a phoenix arising resplendent from the smoldering remnants of its bygone eras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid such unflagging turmoil and transformation, one might ponder the wellspring of vitality and continuity in Iranian culture and civilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The keystone of this endurance, arguably, is encapsulated in a single term: Nowruz.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz, a venerable festivity, epitomizes the enduring spirit of Iranian culture, standing not just as a cherished ritual but also as a beacon of national rejuvenation and solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the new year dawns, we are inspired by the eternal wisdom of the 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi, to echo a sentiment that transcends the impositions of states upon individuals: “Say not all are fighting, what use is my lone call for peace? You’re not one, but thousands; light your beacon”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy Nowruz.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When is Nowruz?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz starts at the vernal equinox, when the sun crosses the Earth’s equator. This marks the beginning of spring, with day and night being equal in length as the sun enters the zodiac sign Aries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the solar Hijri calendar, the moment of the New Year determines the first day of Farvardin month. If the New Year starts before noon and in the first half of the day, that day is Nowruz; if it starts after noon, the next day is Nowruz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Gregorian calendar<\/strong>, Nowruz mostly corresponds to March 21<\/strong>, occasionally March 20, and rarely March 22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In countries such as Iran <\/strong>and Afghanistan<\/strong>, which follow the solar Hijri calendar<\/strong>, Nowruz marks the first day of the New Year. However, in Central Asian and Caucasian countries where the Gregorian calendar is more prevalent, Nowruz <\/strong>is celebrated as the beginning of the spring<\/strong> season and is not regarded as the start of the New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Term “Nowruz”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Image\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
An exquisite haft-seen table adorned with symbolic items, celebrating nowruz and the arrival of spring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz holds a significant place in the Iranian calendar, signifying the New Year and the start of spring. This understanding has persisted from ancient lexicons to the present day. This festival has a close connection with Iranian culture and history. Additionally, in other parts of Central Asia, a similar celebration takes place under various names and pronunciations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word “Nowruz” originates from the Avestan <\/strong>language, and Avestan historians have documented its equivalent as “navaka raocah.” Throughout history, this term has been expressed and pronounced in various forms, including “No,” “Now,” “Nov,” “New,” and “Naw” for the first part, and “Ruz,” “Rooz,” and “Rouz” for the second part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

History of Nowruz (Norooz)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We do not have precise knowledge of the exact origin and inception of Nowruz. Some historical accounts attribute the beginning of Nowruz to the Babylonians. According to these accounts, the popularization of Nowruz in Iran dates back to 538 BC, specifically the time when Cyrus the Great invaded Babylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"National\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Reliefs from persepolis in the national museum of iran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Babylonians celebrated the first day of the year (generally around the vernal equinox, corresponding to March 21st) marking nature’s awakening. Records suggest that this celebration was recognized almost from 2340 BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary Boyce is a British expert on Iran. She believes that ancient Iranians celebrated important festivals. These festivals included spring and autumn. They were based on Mithraic rituals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of the Babylonian spring festival may have encouraged Iranians to celebrate their New Year during this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Year’s festival in Mesopotamia<\/a> and Elam celebrated the death and rebirth of a god. This event marked the cycle of life each year. His death represented the death of the vegetative world, and his resurrection symbolized the rejuvenation of plant life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, in some accounts, Zoroaster is mentioned as the founder of Nowruz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz In Myths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a bas-relief in Persepolis<\/a> that symbolizes the Zoroastrian Nowruz<\/strong>. On the first day of Nowruz, during the vernal equinox, the power and strength of the lion and the bull are equal in combat. The lion symbolizes the god Mithra or the sun, and the bull represents the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Persepolis\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
The bas-relief in persepolis represents the zoroastrian nowruz. On nowruz’s first day, during the spring equinox, the lion, symbolizing the sun, is as strong as the bull, which represents the earth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In certain ancient Iranian texts, such as Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh <\/strong>and Tabari’s history<\/strong>, Jamshid is credited as the founder of Nowruz (Norooz). However, in other texts, Keyumars is also mentioned as its founder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz (Norooz) During the Achaemenid Era<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the inscriptions left from the Achaemenid period, there is no direct mention of the celebration of Nowruz. However, studies of these inscriptions suggest that the Achaemenids were familiar with Nowruz (Norooz) celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Persepolis,\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the achaemenid empire. It is situated in the plains of marvdasht, encircled by southern zagros mountains of the iranian plateau. Modern day shiraz is situated 60 km southwest of the ruins of persepolis. The earliest remains of persepolis date back to 515 bc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some believe that Cyrus the Great declared Nowruz as a national celebration in 538 BC. On this day, he had plans for promoting soldiers, cleaning public places and private homes, and pardoning convicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremonies continued with later Achaemenid kings. They took place from the 21st of Esfand to the 19th of Ordibehesht. This period is roughly from mid-March to early May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz
Nowruz celebrations at persepolis, iran, bring together hundreds of people to honor the greatness of ancient empires. This solemn tribute, steeped in history, is eloquently immortalized by dr. Daryoosh akbarzadeh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is said that during the reign of Darius I, grand Nowruz ceremonies were held in Persepolis. Darius the First, from the Achaemenid dynasty, made a gold coin. The coin features a soldier holding an arrow. It is believed to celebrate Nowruz and was created in 416 BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some researchers believe that Persepolis was built to conduct Nowruz ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz During the Parthian and Sassanid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz was highly valued during the Parthian and Sassanid periods. During this period, numerous celebrations were held throughout the year, with the most important being Nowruz and Mehregan<\/a><\/strong>. The Nowruz celebration during the Sassanid era lasted at least six days. It was divided into two parts: the lesser Nowruz and the greater Nowruz. The lesser Nowruz, or the public’s Nowruz, was celebrated for five days, from the first to the fifth of Farvardin. On the sixth day of Farvardin (Khordad Day), the grand Nowruz celebration, or the special Nowruz, took place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Sassanid era, 25 days before spring, people planted grains like rice, wheat, and beans in twelve columns made of raw bricks. They would keep these plants until the sixteenth day of Farvardin. The more fertile among these plants indicated better yields for the year. It was also common during this period for people to splash water on each other on the morning of Nowruz. Starting from the time of Hormizd I, it became customary for people to light fires on Nowruz night. Also, from the time of Hormizd II, giving coins during Nowruz as gifts became a tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Persepolis\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
A bas-relief at the apadana, persepolis, depicting armenians bringing their famous wine to the king<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz After Islam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After Islam arrived, many celebrations in Iran<\/a> were forgotten because of rulers and Islamists. However, Nowruz remained important and continued to be celebrated as a national festival in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz is a key part of Iranian culture. It is linked to the country’s traditions and history. It also holds special memories for the people of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is said that the Arab conquerors of Iran<\/strong> captured the Sassanid capital on Nowruz. After this, they imposed heavy taxes on the celebration of both Nowruz and Mehregan<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs continued this tradition. However, they later participated in the Nowruz celebrations. They also showed their respect for these festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz
Pre-nowruz tradition in fars, iran: the final thursday of the year is marked by the poignant sharing of sprouts or green plants\u2014elements of the haft-sin\u2014with the memory of departed loved ones. A moment of connection and remembrance, beautifully captured by dr. Daryoosh akbarzadeh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There’s no evidence of Nowruz celebrations during the Umayyad era. During the Abbasid period, according to Tabari’s history, the caliph Mu’tazid warned the people of Baghdad against lighting fires on Nowruz and throwing water on passers-by, but he later revoked his order fearing public unrest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatimid caliphs also prohibited lighting fires and splashing water during Nowruz on several occasions. From the remaining writings of the 4th Hijri century in Baghdad, it’s evident that people wore new clothes during Nowruz, gave apples to each other as gifts, cooked special dishes, and women bought special Nowruz perfumes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muslims and non-Muslims drank syrup together and splashed water on each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Best Hotels in Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Click and explore<\/mark><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>
\"Book<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Abbasids<\/strong> occasionally welcomed Nowruz to receive public gifts. With the rise of the Tahirid, Samanid, and Buyid dynasties, the Nowruz celebrations expanded. During these periods, poets in the court praised Nowruz in their verses, and wished the king a happy Nowruz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyhaqi wrote about the splendor of Nowruz celebrations in the Ghaznavid court, and some of the most beautiful poetic works have been penned by court poets like Farrokhi, Manuchehri, and Sa’d Salman in praise of Nowruz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Seljuk period, at the command of Jalal al-Din Malik Shah Seljuk, several Iranian astronomers, including Khayyam, convened to reform the Iranian calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz was also celebrated during the Safavid era. In the year 1597 AD, Shah Abbas Safavi held the Nowruz ceremony in the Naqsh-e Jahan<\/a> mansion in Isfahan and declared the city as the permanent capital of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz in the Safavid Period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Nowruz\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
The nowruz festival of women poets celebrates the spring equinox through poetry, performance, and connection. Aga khan museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz has consistently been celebrated in various historical periods of Iran, but after the Islamic conquest, it gained particular prominence during the Safavid dynasty, especially in the middle Safavid period, where it became a stronger national and royal symbol. However, later on, with the influence of Shiite clerics at the court, the significance of national symbols decreased, and the clerics dominated these symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shah\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Nowruz dusing Safavid. Shah Abbas the II holding a banquet for foreign dignitaries. Detail from a ceiling fresco at the Chehel Sotoun<\/a> Palace in Isfahan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the Qajar Period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Qajar court made special preparations for the grand celebration of Nowruz. The primary ceremony was called “Nowruz Salam,” which was conducted in three parts: Public Reception, Marble Throne Greeting, and the Special Gate Greeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A day before the festival, invitations were sent out by the head of royal ceremonies, Ali Khan Zahir al-Dawla, the Shah’s son-in-law, for various social classes. Invitees had to arrive an hour before the ceremony. The public Nowruz greeting was held at the Marble Throne located in Golestan Palace<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Modern Times<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, some Shiite clerics spoke against Nowruz and its traditions. Still, when they realized the deep-rooted attachment of the people to this festival, they backed down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Iran was the only country in the world that recognized Nowruz as a national holiday in its calendar, although Afghanistan also intermittently celebrated it. However, with the independence of Central Asian countries, first the Kyrgyz Republic and Azerbaijan, followed by other nations, declared Nowruz as their national holiday. Nowruz, as a cultural heritage and national celebration, has always been observed in modern times in Iran and is celebrated annually. However, the celebration of Nowruz was banned for some time in certain countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Image\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Nowruz in azarbijan known as \u201cnovruz bayram\u0131\u201d in azerbaijani and is a major holiday in the country, celebrated for several days in late march to mark the arrival of spring and the start of the new year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Soviet government prohibited Nowruz celebrations in some Central Asian countries<\/strong> like Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, and this ban continued until the time of Mikhail Gorbachev. Nevertheless, people in these regions covertly celebrated Nowruz or did so in rural areas. Some also renamed the celebration to gain local authorities’ approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, in Tajikistan, people referred to it as “Tulip Festival” or the March 8 celebration. In Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, Nowruz celebrations were banned, recognizing only the lunar Hijri calendar. Before the year 2000 AD, Nowruz in Turkey (celebrated by Kurds) was illegal, and often its celebration was met with the arrest of Kurds by Turkish security forces. In 1992, at least 70 Kurds were killed in clashes with Turkish security forces. Although today the Turkish government celebrates Nowruz as the Turkish Spring Festival (“Nevruz” in Turkish), it still stands as a powerful symbol of the Kurdish identity in Turkey. In recent years, Nowruz has truly become global. The United Nations General Assembly in 2010 declared March 21st, equivalent to the first of Farvardin, as International Nowruz Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Image\"
Ismaili muslim and parsi communities in india and pakistan also celebrate nowruz as a new year\u2019s day. The day is marked by attending special prayers at the mosque, preparing special meals, and exchanging gifts with family and friends. They also participate in cultural events and musical performances to celebrate the occasion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Based on the proposal from the Republic of Azerbaijan, the United Nations General Assembly recognized Nowruz, with its Iranian roots, in its calendar. In the text adopted on February 23, 2010, by the UN General Assembly, Nowruz is described as an Iranian-rooted festival on March 21 that has a history of over 3,000 years and is celebrated by more than 300 million people today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before this, on October 8, 2009 (in the Persian calendar), Nowruz had been registered as a spiritual heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO<\/strong>) at the suggestion of Uzbekistan. The first global Nowruz celebration took place in Tehran on March 27, 2010, and this city was recognized as the “Secretariat of Nowruz”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz
Nowruz is seen as a symbol of central asian identity and is an important way for people in the region to connect with their heritage and traditions. It is a time when people proudly display their national flags and wear traditional clothing. Spiritual significance: nowruz is also a time for spiritual renewal and reflection. Many people in central asia view the holiday as a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and seek forgiveness for past mistakes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The United Nations General Assembly, by adopting a resolution, acknowledged March 21 (corresponding to the first day of the Persian calendar) under Article 49 as the “International Day of Nowruz” within the framework of a culture of peace. With this act, which was the first of its kind in the history of the organization, the Iranian Nowruz was officially recognized as an international event. For the first time, Nowruz in 2012 was celebrated at the UN and UNESCO venues hosted by Iran. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the UN, also issued a message on this occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>
\n

The Top 39 Nowruz (Norooz) Songs You Need to Hear<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A list of the top Nowruz songs<\/a> that you need to hear. These timeless tunes have been enjoyed by generations of Iranians and continue to be popular to this day.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Geography of Nowruz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The region where the Nowruz celebration takes place currently encompasses several countries and continues to be celebrated in these nations. Some Nowruz customs vary among these countries. For example, in Afghanistan, they set up a table with seven fruits, but in Iran, they set up a table with seven items starting with the Persian letter ‘S’. The Nowruz customs in the Republic of Azerbaijan are more similar to those of Iran than to other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The geography of Nowruz, with the name Nowruz or its equivalents, spans across the Middle East, the Balkans, Kazakhstan, Tatarstan, Western China (Xinjiang), Sudan, Zanzibar, throughout the Caucasus to Astrakhan, and also North America, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Norooz or nowruz is celebrated in many countries around the world, but it holds a special significance in several countries in central asia, including uzbekistan, tajikistan, kazakhstan, kyrgyzstan, and turkmenistan. Here’s a brief overview of how nowruz is celebrated in these countries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Kurds also celebrate this festival between March 18 and 21. For the Kurds, the uprising of Kaveh the Blacksmith and his victory over Zahhak is known as the Nowruz festival. During Nowruz, the Kurds gather outside cities to welcome spring. In these Nowruz gatherings, Kurdish women wear colorful clothes and place sparkly scarves on their heads; young Kurdish men hoist green, yellow, and red flags and dance around the fire to honor and keep Nowruz alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz is also common among the Arabs in southern Iraq, and on Nowruz day, they visit green fields and lush areas. In particular, visiting the Iv\u0101n i Mad\u0101yen (arched palace) on this day is among the programs of the Arabs in the south and east of Iraq. On March 30, 2009, the Federal Parliament of Canada designated the first day of spring each year as Nowruz (Nowruz Day), a national holiday for Iranians and many other ethnicities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 24, 2010, the United Nations, by adopting a resolution at its headquarters, officially recognized Nowruz as the International Day of Nowruz and a culture of peace in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz Outside the Nowruz Geographical Region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Iranians outside of Iran, especially in Europe, America, and Canada, have been organizing Nowruz celebrations, including the Chaharshanbe Suri<\/a> (Wednesday Feast) festival, collectively for several decades.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"In
In 2014 Obama Records Nowruz Message for Iran’s People<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Since the era of [President] Bush, American presidents have sent Nowruz messages to Iranians every year. On Chaharshanbe Suri<\/a> of 1393 (2014 in the Gregorian calendar), Michelle Obama spoke for the first time during a Nowruz celebration at the White House. Barack Obama, in his message, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This celebration was in honor of diverse cultures, food, music, and the friendship of immigrant communities that offer extraordinary services every day in the United States. As you gather around the Haft Seen table, be grateful for the blessings you have from Tehran to Shiraz to Tabriz<\/a>, from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the coasts of the Persian Gulf, and look forward to the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz
The white house celebrates nowruz as a way to recognize the cultural and historical significance of the holiday, particularly among the millions of people of persian and central asian descent who live in the united states.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

World Nowruz (Norooz) Festival<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On 7th Farvardin 1389 (27th March 2010), the first edition of the World Nowruz Festival was held in Tehran, and this city was recognized as the “Nowruz Secretariat”. In this celebration, the leaders of countries that celebrate Nowruz come together to honor this ancient tradition. Every year, one of these countries hosts the World Nowruz Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz Holidays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Hajji
Hajji Firuz<\/a> – Exploring the Iconic Character of Nowruz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Iran, the first four days of Farvardin, which coincide with the beginning of Nowruz, are official holidays. For schools, this holiday continues until the thirteenth day of Nowruz (Sizdah Bedar<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz (Norooz) Rituals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Persian new year events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz (Norooz) is a collection of celebrations and Persian new year events. The New Year celebrations or Nowruz festivities in Iran involve various programs, starting with Chaharshanbe Suri<\/a> (Wednesday Feast).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chaharshanbe
Chahr-shanbeh suri in sistan & baluchestan, iran: embracing the year’s last wednesday, locals partake in the age-old tradition of leaping over fires. This vibrant celebration symbolizes purification and renewal. Photographed by daryoosh akbarzadeh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After the Chaharshanbe Suri celebration, the last Thursday involves visiting the graves and resting places of the recently deceased. The third program, more common in southern Khorasan, is the “Alfeh” ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ritual is also held in cemeteries, graveyards, or mosques, primarily to honor and respect the deceased. In this ceremony, local sweets and cakes (Qottab, Nan-e Shiri, Goak) are placed on a spread along with sprouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chashmeh
Chashmeh-bashi celebration: on the final wednesday preceding nowruz, individuals gather at springs to ignite flames, sing together, and exchange heartfelt wishes for the forthcoming new year. This cherished ceremony holds a place on iran’s national list of intangible heritage. Captured by solhi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

House Cleaning (Khaneh-Tekani)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Khaneh-Tekani is one of the Nowruz rituals, practiced by people in regions that celebrate Nowruz. In this ritual, the entire house and its contents are cleaned and washed in anticipation of Nowruz. This tradition is held in various countries including Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nowruz
Nowruz rituals in the iranian-kurdish village of palangan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Igniting Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Nowruz (Norooz) celebration in the village of Palangan is conducted by young people moving torches and ascending the cliffs behind the village. During this celebration, villagers gather on the rooftops and, accompanied by Kurdish music and wearing colorful and festive clothing, welcome Nowruz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The custom of igniting fire has been common since ancient times in regions fond of Nowruz. In Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and parts of Afghanistan, this custom is observed as lighting fires on the evening of the last Wednesday of the year, a celebration known as Chaharshanbe Suri. In Kurdistan, on Nowruz day, the Nowruz fire ceremony (in Kurdish: Agir Newroz\u00ee) takes place. Jumping over fire during Nowruz is also common in Turkmenistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the custom of lighting fires on the dawn of Nowruz on rooftops is practiced among some Zoroastrians, including in some villages of Yazd in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz (Norooz) Spreads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Haft
The traditional New Year\u2019s spread (sofre-ye haft sin) features seven items that begin with the letter S: sabzeh (sprouts), samanu (pudding), sib (apple), serkeh (vinegar), sir (garlic), senjed (dried oleaster), and somaq (a fruity spice). The spread also typically includes other items such as a copy of the Qur\u2019an, a mirror, and live goldfish. The Iranian New Year, Noruz, is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated by peoples from the Balkans to Central Asia and India. Photo by Davood Rafiei<\/a> – Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The “Sofreh Haft-Seen” is a Nowruz (Norooz) spread common in Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and some parts of Afghanistan. Nowruz spreads are a shared tradition among people who celebrate Nowruz. The Nowruz spread, which is nowadays referred to as “Sofreh Haft-Seen” in Iran, consists of two types of items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n