What is the Persian New Year (Nowruz)?

Nowruz is a Persian holiday that marks the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The day Nowruz is celebrated changes each year depending on the equinox. This year, it is planned to be observed on March 19th. Nowruz comes from the ancient language of Avestan, which can be translated into “New Day.” This holiday represents rebirth, new beginnings, and a new life. The Persian New Year typically lasts around two weeks or 13 days.

Nowruz is celebrated by 300 million people globally, but it is observed mainly in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Nowruz has been observed for 3,000 years in many diverse regions, including the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, and many other parts of the world. The Persian New Year has Zoroastrianism roots, which is a religion that predates Christianity and Islam. Those celebrating Nowruz promote peace, solidarity, and other essential values among friends, families, and other members of the community. Before the holiday arrives, people engage in spring cleaning and social gatherings with friends and family. The Persian New Year is celebrated by decorating the Haft Seen table, which consists of seven things that begin with the letter “S.” The Haft Seen table usually contains other items, such as a mirror to symbolize the past year, painted eggs to represent fertility, and a lit candle that indicates happiness.

There are also a variety of other food dishes that are commonly eaten during this time, like “ash-e resteh” or noodle soup and Haft Mewa, a seven fruit salad.

IIA staff celebrating Nowruz, 2023