An illustration showing figures in the distance standing and some have their arms raised while in the foreground is an offering of foods with a bonfire lit in the middle
Photo:AI-generated illustration by Sadek Ahmed

In these times of great challenge, Nowruz promotes dialogue, good neighborliness and reconciliation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Nowruz: A timeless celebration of renewal and new beginnings

Nowruz, also spelled Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, or Nauryz, meaning “new day” in Persian, is far more than just the start of a new year—it is an ancient celebration of life, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness. With roots extending back over 3,000 years to the era of Zoroastrianism, Nowruz heralds the arrival of spring and is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox, usually March 20 or 21. Today, it unites diverse cultures across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and beyond, offering a rich tapestry of customs, traditions, and shared values.

Historical and cultural significance

Ancient origins

Nowruz’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Persian empire and the Zoroastrian calendar, where it marked one of the holiest days of the year. Originally a sacred time to celebrate the rebirth of nature, Nowruz evolved over centuries into a secular festival embraced by numerous ethno-linguistic and cultural communities. Its enduring appeal lies in its powerful symbolism—the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of new beginnings, both in nature and in the human spirit.

A symbol of unity and diversity

As a celebration of the renewal of life, Nowruz has always been more than a seasonal change. It is a festival that reinforces bonds within families, communities, and even between nations. Today, Nowruz is celebrated by people from various religious and cultural backgrounds, reflecting a universal desire for renewal, peace, and prosperity. Its international recognition by UNESCO and the United Nations underlines its significance as a unifying cultural event in our increasingly interconnected world.

Traditions and rituals

Nowruz is a vibrant mosaic of customs that vary by region yet share common themes of renewal and hope. Some of the most cherished traditions include:

Spring cleaning and renewal

In preparation for Nowruz, homes are thoroughly cleaned—a practice known as "shaking the dust" of the past. This symbolic act is accompanied by the purchase of new clothes, representing a fresh start and the cleansing of both physical and spiritual space.

Haft Sin table

A central feature of Nowruz is the Haft Sin table, especially popular in Iran. This table is artfully arranged with seven items, each beginning with the Persian letter "S." These items symbolize various attributes of life, such as:

  • Sabzeh (sprouted grains): Symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
  • Samanu (sweet pudding): Representing affluence and fertility.
  • Senjed (dried fruit): Reflecting love.
  • Seer (garlic): Denoting medicine and health.
  • Seeb (apple): A sign of beauty and good health.
  • Somāq (sumac berries): Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
  • Serkeh (vinegar): Representing age and wisdom.

Fire rituals and bonfires

In many regions, people take part in fire rituals such as Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran. Jumping over bonfires is a symbolic act meant to purify and energize, casting away the remnants of winter and inviting the warmth and vitality of spring into one’s life.

Culinary traditions

Food plays a central role in Nowruz celebrations. Special dishes are prepared with family and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness. In Central Asia, for example, the sweet wheat pudding known as sumalak is cooked slowly over many hours, symbolizing the slow but sure arrival of spring and new beginnings.

Other cultural practices

Beyond these rituals, Nowruz is celebrated with a variety of cultural activities:

  • Poetry and Music: Recitations, traditional songs, and local musical performances celebrate the artistic heritage of the regions.
  • Street Festivals: In many cities, open-air festivities, parades, and public gatherings mark the occasion, blending local customs with the shared spirit of renewal.
  • Water Replenishment: In some communities, households replenish their water supplies on the last Wednesday of the year, a ritual that symbolizes the cleansing and refreshing power of water.

Regional variations

While the core themes of Nowruz remain consistent, its celebration takes on unique forms across different countries:

  • Iran: Nowruz in Iran is synonymous with the Haft Sin table and lively traditions like Chaharshanbe Suri. Iranian celebrations are steeped in rituals that emphasize family gatherings, community solidarity, and the artistic expression of poetry and music.

  • Afghanistan: Here, Nowruz is celebrated as both a cultural and agricultural holiday. In addition to customary family feasts and ritual dances, the day holds special significance for farmers, marking the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

  • Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan: These regions are known for their grand public festivities, traditional games, and communal feasts, where the celebration of Nowruz extends into vibrant street performances and regional music.

  • Other Regions: In places like the Caucasus, Central Asia, and even parts of the Balkans, Nowruz brings communities together in a shared celebration of life and tradition, showcasing local flavors while adhering to the universal themes of rebirth and renewal.

Global recognition and contemporary relevance

United Nations

Nowruz’s enduring legacy has been recognized on the world stage. In 2009, UNESCO inscribed Nowruz on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its profound cultural significance and its role in fostering mutual understanding among different communities. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz, encouraging global celebrations that highlight the festival's themes of peace, unity, and renewal.

Promoting peace and cultural diversity

In a rapidly changing world, Nowruz serves as a reminder of our shared human heritage. It champions the values of tolerance, cultural diversity, and peace—principles that resonate deeply in our modern, interconnected society. By celebrating Nowruz, communities reaffirm their commitment to preserving ancient traditions while also embracing contemporary influences that enrich their cultural tapestry.

A beacon of renewal, unity, and cultural diversity

Nowruz is more than just a calendar event—it is a vibrant, living tradition that celebrates the renewal of nature and the human spirit. From the detailed rituals of cleaning and the meticulous setting of the Haft Sin table to the communal feasts, bonfire jumps, and street festivals, Nowruz invites millions around the world to leave behind the old and welcome the new with hope and joy.

As families gather to celebrate, as communities share in the rich cultural heritage of their regions, and as global institutions recognize and promote this ancient festival, Nowruz stands as a beacon of renewal, unity, and cultural diversity. It is a day to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with promise—a true celebration of the timeless human spirit.

Resources

young people in traditional dress sitting down on stage

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Nowruz was inscribed in 2016 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. New Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around ‘the Table’, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports and the making of handicrafts. 

 

Summer solstice fire festivals in the Pyrenees.

Related Observances

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.