A Celebration of Renewal, Unity, and Cultural Heritage
Nowruz (also spelled Norooz, Nawruz, or Navruz) is the Persian New Year, celebrated on or around March 20–21, marking the spring equinox—the moment when day and night are equal in length. Literally meaning “new day” in Persian, Nowruz is both an ancient and living festival that has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across a vast region stretching from Iran and Central Asia to the Caucasus, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia and the Balkans.
Nowruz symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. Over time, it has evolved to reflect the rich cultural diversity of the countries that celebrate it.
Iran
As the birthplace of Nowruz, Iran celebrates it as the most important holiday of the year. Preparations begin weeks before with “khaneh-tekani” (spring cleaning) and culminate in 13 days of festivities.
Traditions: Families set up a Haft-Seen table, featuring seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter S(Seen): sabzeh (sprouts for rebirth), samanu (sweet pudding for power and fertility), senjed (dried fruit for love), seer (garlic for health), seeb (apple for beauty), somāq (sumac for sunrise), and serkeh (vinegar for patience). A mirror, candles, painted eggs, goldfish, and poetry from Hafez or Ferdowsi often accompany the display.
Food: Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish) is the traditional New Year’s meal.
Arts & Music: Recitations of Hafez’s poems are common; classical Persian music, with instruments like the setarand santur, fills gatherings; and miniature paintings often depict springtime or mythological Nowruz scenes.
Sabzi Polo ba Mahi
Photo from Kental Travel:
https://kentaltravel.com/en/blog/sabzi-polo-with-fish-nowruz-tradition/
Afghanistan
Known as Nawroz, the celebration in Afghanistan blends Persian traditions with local customs.
Traditions: In Mazar-i-Sharif, the raising of the Janda (a sacred banner) marks the start of festivities. People wear new clothes, visit family, and hold public games like buzkashi (a horseback sport).
Food: The special dish Haft Mewa—a compote of seven dried fruits and nuts—is served, representing abundance and unity.
Arts: Folk music with the rubab and tabla accompanies poetic readings, often inspired by Rumi and Khoshal Khan Khattak.
Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, Nowruz (or as locals call it Novruz) is one of the most cherished national holidays. It celebrates the arrival of spring and symbolises renewal and balance. Here is unites families, neighbours and entire communities in celebration of light, hope and new beginnings.
Preparation starts 4 weeks before through the celebration of Charshnba, a sequence of four Tuesdays, each connected to awakening in nature, each holding a special meaning: Water Tuesday (purification and clarity), Fire Tuesday (warmth, energy, transformation), Wind Tuesday (movement and change) and Earth Tuesday, the final Tuesday before the actual holiday (rebirth and fertility).
The most recognisable symbol of Novruz is khoncha, a beautifully decorated tray with special Novruz items Samani (sprouted wheat), candles, sweets, nuts, freshly made home bakes like pakhlava, shekerbura, and painted eggs.
Fire is another symbol and jumping over fire is a tradition, a symbolic act of cleansing and renewal, leaving the difficulties in the past and continuing life with lightness and hope.
Across the country people come out to celebrate with a mix of music, dance, and street performances. Popular Nowruz characters are Kosa, representing the winter’s hardship, Kecal, a bold-headed figure representing the return of spring and vitality, and Bahar Gizi (Spring girl), showing the beauty, renewal and spirit of spring.
Kurdistan (Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria)
For Kurds, Nowruz (or Newroz) also carries a sense of freedom and resistance, tied to the legend of Kawa the Blacksmith, who defeated a tyrant and brought light back to the world.
Traditions: Families gather outdoors, light bonfires, and dance in colorful traditional clothing.
Music & Poetry: Songs of freedom and renewal are sung to the rhythm of the daf and zurna; poetry by Kurdish poets like Ahmad Khani celebrates identity and hope.
Pakistan (Parsis and Ismaili communities)
In Pakistan, Nowruz is observed mainly by Parsi (Zoroastrian) and Ismaili Muslim communities.
Traditions: Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers; special prayers of gratitude are offered.
Food: Dishes such as seviyan (sweet vermicelli) and pilaf are common.
Arts: Traditional calligraphy and music enrich the celebration, alongside readings of Persian poetry.
