A 3,000-Year-Old Celebration of Renewal & Joy!

Nowruz (نوروز), meaning "New Day," is the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the Iranian solar calendar. Unlike Western New Year, which follows a fixed date, Nowruz aligns with the exact astronomical moment of the spring equinox—the rebirth of nature.

In 2025, Nowruz falls on Thursday March 20 at 09:01 GMT. This precision makes Nowruz unique, as it synchronises with nature’s cycle rather than an arbitrary date.

A Global Celebration

Nowruz is not just an Iranian tradition; it’s embraced across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and even parts of Europe. Countries like Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iraq (Kurdistan), and even India and Pakistan (by Parsis) take part in Nowruz festivities. Despite regional differences, the themes of renewal, prosperity, and togetherness remain universal.

The Rituals That Define Nowruz

Nowruz is a time of preparation, celebration, and reflection. Families start with Khaneh Tekani—deep cleaning their homes to symbolise fresh beginnings. The days leading up to Nowruz are filled with excitement:

✔ Chaharshanbe Suri (Festival of Fire) – On the last Tuesday before Nowruz, people leap over bonfires, chanting “Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man” (“Take my sickness, give me your warmth”).

✔ Haft-Seen Table – The iconic display of seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter ‘S’ (س).

✔ Eidi (Monetary Gifts) – Elders give new banknotes to children, a gesture of blessing and prosperity.

✔ Sizdah Bedar – The 13th day of Nowruz, where families head outdoors for picnics, celebrating nature and warding off bad luck.

The Haft-Seen: A Table of Meaning

At the heart of every Persian home during Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, symbolising renewal, health, and abundance. The seven essential elements include:

• Sabzeh (سبزه) – Sprouted wheat/lentils, representing growth.
• Samanu (سمنو) – Sweet wheat pudding, signifying patience.

• Senjed (سنجد) – Dried oleaster fruit, symbolising love.
• Seer (سیر) – Garlic, protecting against misfortune.
• Seeb (سیب) – Apples, embodying beauty and health.
• Somāq (سماق) – Sumac, marking new beginnings.
• Serkeh (سرکه) – Vinegar, reflecting wisdom and longevity.

Additional elements like goldfish (life), mirrors (self-reflection), candles (light), poetry books (wisdom), and painted eggs (fertility) enrich the display. Even a small tray with key items carries the spirit of the tradition.

Nowruz Around the World

While the Haft-Seen is central to Iranian celebrations, different countries put their own spin on Nowruz. In Afghanistan, families prepare a Haft-Mewa—a mixture of seven dried fruits and nuts, symbolising health and sweetness. In Azerbaijan and parts of Turkey, fire-jumping and communal feasts take center stage. Kurdish communities welcome Nowruz with music, dancing, and bonfires, turning the occasion into a vibrant festival.

Feasting for the New Year

No Nowruz celebration is complete without food. Families gather to share traditional dishes that reflect renewal and prosperity:

🍛 Sabzi Polo ba Mahi – Herb-infused rice with fish, signifying rebirth.

🥚 Kookoo Sabzi – A fluffy herb omelet, embodying growth and vitality.

🍜 Ash Reshteh – A thick noodle soup, believed to bring good fortune.

🍡 Ajil (Mixed Nuts & Dried Fruit) – A symbol of generosity and hospitality.

Though Nowruz has Zoroastrian origins, it is a cultural celebration embraced by people of all backgrounds and faiths, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, and secular communities.

Why Nowruz Matters More Than Ever

Nowruz is a celebration of hope, renewal, and togetherness—a reminder to embrace new opportunities and cherish the people around us. In a world that often feels rushed, Nowruz encourages us to pause, reflect, and welcome the beauty of spring.

🌸🎉Eid-eh Shoma Pesha Pesh Perooz! (عید شما پیشاپیش پیروز)HAPPY NOWRUZ IN ADVANCE!