Nawruz

Nawruz, also spelled Nowruz or Norooz, is the Persian New Year celebration. It marks the first day of spring and the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. The word "Nawruz" translates to "new day" in Persian. This ancient festival has its roots in Zoroastrianism, a religion originating in ancient Persia, and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years.

The celebration typically begins on or around March 20th or 21st, depending on the astronomical timing of the equinox. Nawruz is observed by people across a wide geographical area, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and parts of Pakistan, India, and Turkey. It is a time for renewal, reflection, and coming together with family and friends.

Key traditions associated with Nawruz include the Haft-Seen table, a special arrangement of seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter 'seen' (س), representing elements like rebirth, health, and prosperity. These items often include sabzeh (sprouted lentils), samanu (sweet pudding), senjed (dried fruit), seer (garlic), somaq (sumac), serkeh (vinegar), and serkeh (apple). Other customs involve spring cleaning, visiting relatives, exchanging gifts, and participating in outdoor festivities like bonfires. Nawruz is a public holiday in many of the countries where it is celebrated and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.