What is Nowruz?

Nowruz, meaning "new day," is a traditional festival marking the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year, celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide. With over 3,000 years of history, it symbolises hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. Taking place on the vernal equinox, when day and night are of equal length, Nowruz is observed across Persia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and parts of South-Eastern Europe, as well as by diaspora communities in Australia, the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Nowruz holds deep cultural and historical significance and is widely celebrated with public festivities, family gatherings, special meals, and traditional customs. It is officially recognised by the United Nations for its role in promoting peace, unity, and cultural diversity. The festival is observed by communities with Persian, Kurdish, Turkic, and Central Asian heritage, as well as some cultural groups in Eastern Europe.

The celebration includes various customs that symbolise renewal and prosperity. House cleaning, known as "Khaneh-Tekani," represents purification and a fresh start, while visiting family and friends strengthens relationships. One of the most significant traditions is setting up the Haft-Sin table, a symbolic arrangement of seven items beginning with the Persian letter "S," each representing renewal, health, and abundance. Fire-jumping ceremonies, communal gatherings featuring music, dance, and feasts, and the preparation of special foods further highlight the spirit of Nowruz.

While Nowruz is deeply rooted in these regions, its observance extends globally, bringing communities together through shared traditions, cultural events, and joyful celebrations that emphasise the themes of unity, renewal, and the arrival of a new year.