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Nowruz Bayram

A cultural observance on the vernal equinox celebrating the Persian New Year, the beginning of spring, renewal, and the Zoroastrian tradition of the triumph of good over evil.

Sunday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 21

OBSERVED INTurkmenistan

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYOther Religion

ORIGIN

Historical Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Nowruz originated in ancient Zoroastrianism, with possible roots in the late 2nd or early 1st millennium BCE. It is first described during the Achaemenid dynasty (559-330 BCE) and directly named in Sasanian Pahlavi texts. No specific person or legislation established it; mythical accounts credit King Jamshid per Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, but this is legend.

News Archivevia britannica.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the arrival of spring with Nowruz Bayram on March 21! This holiday is also known as Persian New Year and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. It marks the first day of spring and is a time for new beginnings, renewal, and joyous celebrations with family and friends. From colorful decorations to delicious traditional dishes, this holiday is full of vibrant cultural traditions that will make you want to join in on the festivities. So get your dancing shoes ready and let's welcome the new season together!

TIMELINE

Nowruz Bayram Timeline

Nowruz Origins

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.

Nowruz Under Islam

After the Islamic conquest of Persia, Nowruz continued to be celebrated and gradually spread to neighboring regions.

Nowruz in the Ottoman Empire

The holiday reached the height of its popularity in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, becoming a key component of courtly life.

Official Recognition in Iran

In 1935, Nowruz was officially recognized by the Iranian government and declared a national holiday.

UN Recognition

The United Nations officially recognized March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz, celebrating the holiday's message of peace and solidarity.

Inscribed on the UNESCO list

UNESCO inscribed Nowruz on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further acknowledging its global cultural significance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Nowruz Bayram

Attend a Nowruz Bayram festival

Find a local festival or event celebrating Nowruz Bayram and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this holiday.

DECORATE

Decorate your home with traditional symbols

Decorate your home with items such as colored eggs, sprouted wheat grass, and the Haft-Seen table to bring good luck and blessings for the new year.

COOK

Cook a traditional Nowruz Bayram meal

Try your hand at cooking a traditional dish for Nowruz Bayram, such as sabzi polo (herb rice) or ash-e-reshteh (noodle soup). Share it with friends and family to spread joy and celebrate together.

JOIN

Join a Nowruz Bayram dance performance

Take part in a traditional dance performance, such as the circle dance known as the "sama" or the "chaharshanbe soori" fire jumping ritual.

EXCHANGE

Exchange gifts with loved ones

In the spirit of gift-giving during Nowruz Bayram, exchange small gifts with your loved ones to show appreciation and spread joy and love during this holiday.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Nowruz Bayram

It brings people together

Nowruz Bayram is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate with delicious food, music, dancing, and storytelling. It's a joyous occasion that promotes unity, togetherness, and the strengthening of relationships.

It marks the beginning of spring

After a long winter, Nowruz Bayram brings feelings of renewal and hope as it welcomes the arrival of spring. This holiday is a reminder to embrace new beginnings and celebrate the beauty of nature.

It honors ancient traditions

Nowruz Bayram has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures and religions, making it a truly special and historic holiday. It serves as a reminder to honor and appreciate our shared ancestry and heritage.

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