By VK 
Nowruz, or “new day,” is a millennia-old celebration commemorating the Persian New Year. It signals the arrival of spring and carries motifs of rejuvenation and rebirth. The old celebration, revered for more than three millennia, will fall on March 20, 2025, at 5:01 a.m. EST (2:31 p.m. IST), corresponding to the vernal equinox.
Approximately 300 million individuals worldwide observe Nowruz, including Iranian, Azerbaijani, Afghan, Central Asian communities, and others such as the Kurds, Turkic Uyghurs, and Parsis.
One of the central traditions is the “Haft Sin” table, set out with seven symbolic items that begin with the Persian letter ‘S,’ each representing things such as prosperity, health, and fresh starts. Homes are cleaned out, new clothing is worn, and families gather to share best wishes and enjoy special foods.
The festival continues for 13 days, ending with “Sizdah Bedar,” a day outdoors to enjoy nature and keep evil spirits away. Nowruz is a time of happiness, contemplation, and optimism for the successful year to come.
Nowruz 2025: What Does It Mean?
Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, is a rich cultural festival that welcomes spring and represents renewal and rebirth. The word “Nowruz” literally means “new day” in Persian, capturing its spirit as a period of renewal and hope.
Significance of Nowruz
Cultural Heritage: Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is recognized as a cultural and spiritual heritage by UNESCO. It has profound origins in Zoroastrianism, celebrating themes of rebirth and harmony with nature.
Timing of Celebration: Nowruz happens at the vernal equinox, around 20 or 21 March. It is the first day of the year in Persian calendar and represents equal day and night lengths to signal the beginning of spring.
Global Observance: Although mostly linked to Iran, Nowruz is observed by different ethnic groups in several countries, such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia. It is commonly declared an official holiday in these countries.
Traditions and Customs
Preparation: Before Nowruz, households undertake extensive cleaning of their residences (referred to as “khaneh tekani”) to represent rebirth.
Haft-Seen Table: Another main custom is arranging a Haft-Seen table consisting of seven symbolic objects beginning with the Persian letter “S,” each symbolizing various expectations for the next year (e.g., health, prosperity, love).
Festivities: There are many festivities such as family reunions, dining on traditional dishes, music, dance, and outdoor activities like picnics. Thirteenth day after Nowruz, which is called “Sizdah Bedar,” is especially dedicated to nature excursions.
Nowruz 2025: History, Traditions & Celebration Guide
The Iranian calendar begins on the March equinox, marking the first day of spring, typically around March 21. According to Iranian astronomer Tusi, Nowruz was defined as “the first day of the official New Year when the sun enters Aries before noon.”
Nowruz also initiates the beginning of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar, which is now Iran’s official calendar and was also formerly used in Afghanistan.
History of Nowruz
Ancient Origins: Nowruz probably emerged as a Zoroastrian celebration in the late second or early first millennium BCE.
Modern Observance: Recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010, Nowruz is celebrated by various ethnic groups across Iran, Central Asia, and beyond. It remains a significant cultural event that transcends religious boundaries, observed by Zoroastrians, Bahá’ís, and many Muslims.
Traditions and Customs
Haft-Seen Table: At the core of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, on which seven symbolic objects beginning with the Persian letter “S” are placed. These objects symbolize virtues such as development (Sabzeh – sprouts), wellness (Seer – garlic), and prosperity (Samanu – sweet wheat pudding).
Chaharshanbe Suri: This fire-jumping festival occurs on the last Wednesday before Nowruz. Participants jump over bonfires to symbolise cleansing from negativity and welcoming health and warmth into their lives.
Family Visits (Did-o-Bazdid): The first days of Nowruz are dedicated to visiting family and friends. Younger relatives typically visit elders first to receive blessings for the new year. Gift-giving, known as Eidi, is common during these visits.
Culinary Delights
Nowruz festivities feature specific dishes that differ geographically but tend to include:
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi,
Kuku Sabzi,
Nowruz 2025: Who Celebrates This Persian New Year?
Nowruz is celebrated in many countries, including:
Iran: The center of Nowruz celebrations, where it is a national holiday and deeply rooted in cultural customs.
Afghanistan: Known as “Nawruz,” it involves social gatherings and celebrations.
Central Asia: Nations such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan celebrate Nowruz as a public holiday with differing local traditions.
Caucasus Region: Azerbaijan and Georgia celebrate with festivals that involve music and dance.
Middle East: In Iraq and Syria, especially among Kurdish populations, Nowruz is also celebrated through bonfires and social feasts.
South Asia: In Pakistan and India, Nowruz is celebrated primarily by the Parsi people, who are descendants of Persians who were Zoroastrians.
Nowruz 2025: What is Chaharshanbe Suri?
Chaharshanbe Suri, or the Festival of Fire, is a traditional Persian festival that takes place on the night before the last Tuesday preceding Nowruz, the start of the Persian New Year. The festival is rooted in deep Zoroastrian tradition and represents purification, renewal, and the welcoming of spring.
1. Etymology:
The term “Chaharshanbe Suri” comes from the word “Wednesday,” which is denoted by the term “Chaharshanbe,” with “Suri” meaning either festive or red, symbolizing the importance of fire in celebrations.
2. Historical Significance:
The holiday has its origin in ancient years and is equated with the use of fire as a force of purity and energy. The holiday symbolizes the passage between darkness (winter) and light (spring) and is associated with several pre-Islamic practices.
3. Main Traditions:
Jumping Over Fire: The most significant tradition is the making of bonfires and leaping over them reciting phrases that represent transferring one’s illnesses to the fire, for example, “Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man,” meaning “Take my paleness and give me your redness.” It is said to restore health and prosperity for the coming year.
Spoon-Banging (Qashoq-Zani): As a fun practice akin to trick-or-treating, children are dressed up and go door-to-door banging spoons on bowls or plates in order to gather treats.
Fortune Telling (Fāl): Contestants play a game of fortune-telling by putting personal items into a jug along with augury slips. A child draws an item out of the jug, and the corresponding slip will tell them a fortune.
4. Celebratory Atmosphere:
The night is filled with fireworks, music, and dancing as communities come together to enjoy the festivities. It serves as a vibrant prelude to Nowruz, fostering a sense of community and joy.
Nowruz 2025: What Does Sizdah Be-dar Mean
Sizdah Be-dar, also referred to as “Nature Day,” is a major holiday on the 13th day of Farvardin, the Iranian calendar’s first month, after which the Nowruz celebrations are over.
Sizdah Be-dar is an integral part of very old Persian custom and has diverse meanings and rituals. Sizdah Be-dar will fall on April 2, 2025.
1. Meaning and Significance
Cultural Significance: Sizdah Be-dar represents the victory of spring over winter and is a period of renewal and harmony with nature. It is said to repel evil spirits and negative energies that have been built up over the previous year.
Historical Origins: The historical origins of Sizdah Be-dar date back to ancient Zoroastrian traditions. It is linked to the god Tir, who symbolizes rain and fertility, highlighting the significance of nature in agricultural communities.