Nowruz 2025: Traditions, Haft Sin, and the Joy of Persian New Year(Read more)
As winter fades away and spring arrives, millions around the world prepare to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This ancient festival marks a fresh start, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and hope.
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Observed for over 3,000 years, Nowruz is not just a holiday—it’s a deep-rooted tradition that unites families and communities across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and beyond.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz, meaning “New Day” in Persian, is the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian solar calendar year. With origins in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions, Nowruz has stood the test of time and continues to be widely celebrated today.
It aligns with the spring equinox, when day and night are nearly equal, symbolizing balance, renewal, and a fresh start—the essence of Nowruz.
When is Nowruz 2025?
In 2025, Nowruz falls on Thursday, March 20, precisely at 12:31:30 PM Iran Standard Time (9:01:30 GMT). Since it follows the equinox, the exact moment varies worldwide:
New York, USA – 5:01 AM EDT
United Arab Emirates – 1:01 PM GST
India – 2:31 PM IST
Azerbaijan – 1:01 PM AZT
The date shifts slightly each year due to astronomical calculations, but it always lands between March 19 and 21.
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Where is Nowruz Celebrated?
Nowruz is an important cultural event across many regions influenced by Persian heritage, including:
Iran, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan
Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan
Parts of the Caucasus, Middle East, and the Balkans
Kurdish communities in Iraq, Syria, and Turkiye
Parsi and Zoroastrian communities in India and Pakistan
The Parsis, descendants of Zoroastrians who migrated from Persia to South Asia centuries ago, continue to celebrate Nowruz with deep cultural and spiritual significance.
How is Nowruz Celebrated?
Nowruz is filled with joyous traditions that emphasize renewal, purification, and unity. Some of the key customs include:
1. Spring Cleaning (Khaneh Tekani)
Families deep-clean their homes before Nowruz to remove negative energy and make space for new blessings.
2. Fire Jumping (Chaharshanbe Suri)
On the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people light bonfires and jump over them, chanting phrases that symbolize leaving behind sickness and misfortune while welcoming health and strength.
3. Visiting Loved Ones
The first days of Nowruz are spent visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals together. People dress in new clothes, symbolizing a fresh start.
4. Special Foods
Traditional Nowruz dishes include:
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi – Herbed rice with fish, symbolizing prosperity
Ash Reshteh – Noodle soup, representing the twists and turns of life
5. Outdoor Picnics (Sizdah Bedar)
On the 13th day of Nowruz, families head outdoors for a picnic. Staying indoors is considered unlucky, and this tradition allows people to let go of negative energy.
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The Haft Sin Table: A Symbol of Nowruz
A central part of Nowruz celebrations is the Haft Sin table, which includes seven symbolic items that begin with the letter “S” (س) in Persian:
Sabzeh (Sprouted Wheat/Lentils) – Renewal and growth
Samanu (Sweet Wheat Pudding) – Strength and abundance
Senjed (Dried Oleaster Fruit) – Love and wisdom
Seer (Garlic) – Health and protection
Seeb (Apple) – Beauty and good health
Serkeh (Vinegar) – Patience and wisdom
Sumac (Crushed Red Berries) – The triumph of light over darkness
Additional items like mirrors, candles, goldfish, and painted eggs are often included to bring light, happiness, and fertility into the New Year.
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Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Life
Nowruz is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of renewal, love, and unity. No matter where it is celebrated, its spirit remains the same: welcoming new beginnings with hope and joy.
Wishing everyone a Happy Nowruz! May this year bring you happiness, health, and success!
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