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March 21 marks a special day for over 300 million people around the world – it's International Day of Nowruz! This ancient holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is regarded as the beginning of the new year in many cultures. Nowruz, which translates to "new day", symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the arrival of spring. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share traditional meals, and participate in joyful festivities. So get ready to join in on the celebrations and embrace the spirit of Nowruz!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>3000 B.C.</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nowruz Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nowruz originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) over 3,000 years ago as a Zoroastrian festival marking the New Year and the coming of spring.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>7th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nowruz Under Islam</div><div class='timeline-text'>After the Islamic conquest of Persia, Nowruz continued to be celebrated and gradually spread to neighboring regions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nowruz in the Ottoman Empire</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday reached the height of its popularity in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, becoming a key component of courtly life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Recognition in Iran</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1935, Nowruz was officially recognized by the Iranian government and declared a national holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations officially recognized March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz, celebrating the holiday's message of peace and solidarity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inscribed on the UNESCO list</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO inscribed Nowruz on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further acknowledging its global cultural significance.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Nowruz festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local Nowruz festival and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this holiday. Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and delicious food.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Nowruz customs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about the customs and rituals associated with Nowruz. This will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare a traditional Nowruz meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Try your hand at making a traditional Nowruz dish such as Sabzi Polo (herb rice) or Ash-e Reshteh (noodle soup). Invite friends and family over to enjoy the meal together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate your home with Haft-Seen</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Haft-Seen is a traditional Nowruz table setting that includes seven items symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Gather these items and decorate your home with them to bring the spirit of Nowruz into your space.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a Nowruz tradition</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create your own Nowruz tradition to celebrate the holiday every year. This can be something as simple as lighting candles or reading a poem together with loved ones.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of the arrival of spring</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Nowruz, which translates to "new day," marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the rebirth and renewal of nature. It's a joyous time when people come together to start fresh and look forward to the year ahead.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an opportunity to connect with family and friends</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Nowruz is a time for gatherings and feasting with loved ones. Families come together to enjoy traditional dishes, exchange gifts, and participate in ancient rituals like jumping over bonfires for good luck and prosperity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of diverse cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Nowruz is celebrated not only in Iran, but also in several other countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and diversity of these nations and brings people together in celebration.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nowruz lasts for 13 days</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many other holidays, Nowruz is not a one-day celebration. It traditionally lasts for 13 days and is filled with festivities and various customs practiced each day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The tradition of 'Chaharshanbe Suri' precedes Nowruz</h3><p class='facts-content'>On the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, a fire jumping ceremony called 'Chaharshanbe Suri' is observed. Celebrants leap over fire in the hope of enlightenment and happiness throughout the upcoming year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There is a tradition of 'Did-o Bazdid' during Nowruz</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Did-o Bazdid" is a tradition of visiting family members and friends during Nowruz. It is a way of strengthening social ties and celebrating the New Year in unity and kinship.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sizdah Bedar is the last day of Nowruz</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sizdah Bedar is the thirteenth day of the Nowruz holiday. Familes traditionally spend this day outdoor picnicking, enjoying nature and discarding the 'Sabzeh' from the Haft-Seen table setup to symbolize the end of the New Year holiday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Nowruz holiday has various regional names</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to Nowruz, the holiday is also referred to as Navreh in Kashmir, Navroz in India and Pakistan, and Neuruz in Tajikistan. Despite the different names, all celebrate the joy of spring and new beginnings.</p></div></div>
The International Day of Nowruz is celebrated on March 21 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Mar 21
Tuesday
2024
Mar 21
Thursday
2025
Mar 21
Friday
2026
Mar 21
Saturday
2027
Mar 21
Sunday
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