Nowruz

Nowruz is the New Year festival marking the spring equinox, celebrated across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond. Observed by many cultures with Persian roots, it usually falls between 19 and 22 March and features rituals, feasts, and gatherings that welcome renewal and the coming of spring.

• Celebrated at the spring equinox, marking the new year
• Haft-Sin tables display seven symbolic items
• Fire-jumping rituals cleanse away the old year
• Sizdah Be-dar ends the holiday with outdoor picnics
• Observed in Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond

What it is

Nowruz, meaning 'New Day' in Persian, is the celebration of the new year in the Iranian calendar and marks the arrival of spring at the vernal equinox. It is a time when families and communities gather to welcome renewal, reflect on the past, and look forward to the future. The festival is deeply meaningful for those who keep it, symbolizing hope, rebirth, and the enduring bond between people and nature. While rooted in Zoroastrian tradition, Nowruz has become a secular and spiritual holiday for many, observed by diverse communities across West and Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans.

Where it comes from

Nowruz has ancient roots, with traditions stretching back over 3,000 years to Zoroastrianism and earlier Iranian religions. Myths link its origin to the legendary King Jamshid, who is said to have saved humanity from a harsh winter and brought about a new day. The festival’s timing and customs are tied to the rhythms of agriculture and the solar calendar, marking the end of winter and the start of the growing season. Over centuries, Nowruz has absorbed influences from various cultures and religions, evolving into a celebration of both nature’s renewal and human resilience.

How it is celebrated

Nowruz celebrations are rich and varied, reflecting the customs of many peoples. Preparations begin with cleaning homes and setting the Haft-Sin table, an arrangement of seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter 'S'. Fire and water rituals are common, such as jumping over bonfires during Chaharshanbe Suri to cast away the old year’s troubles. Families visit elders, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. Poetry, music, and dance enliven gatherings, and the holiday period often ends with Sizdah Be-dar, a day spent picnicking outdoors and returning greenery to nature. Each community adds its own touch, but the spirit of renewal and togetherness is universal.

Joining in

Visitors during Nowruz can expect a warm welcome and a vibrant atmosphere in cities and villages alike, especially in Iran, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries. Public spaces fill with music, dancing, and the scent of traditional foods. You might be invited to join a family for the Haft-Sin or witness fire-jumping festivities in the streets. On Sizdah Be-dar, parks and countryside are alive with picnics and laughter. While customs vary, the sense of joy and hospitality is shared by all who celebrate Nowruz.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Nowruz, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Nowruz on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural HeritageArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.