How Nowruz, which symbolizes rebirth, is celebrated across the world

By Humaira Ahad

Heady floral or sometimes sweet and warm vanillic scents welcome passersby as they walk through the streets of Tehran.

Daffodils, symbolizing spring, are sold at every flower kiosk across the city.

This is the time of year when crisp air from the mountains, accompanied by rain droplets—considered a good omen—provides comfort and joy to people who look forward to a renewed start.

In Iran, New Year preparations start at least a month before the holiday season kicks in. People do a major spring cleaning called Khaneh Tekoni, which translates to "shaking the house."

Some 20 days before the Spring Equinox, Iranians also start growing Sabzeh (wheatgrass or lentil sprouts) for the haft-seen table.

The haft-seen is a symbolic ritual meaning "seven things starting with the letter ‘seen’" in Persian. The number seven holds great importance in Islam and ancient Persian scriptures.

The haft-seen comprises seven items "artfully arranged" on the table. They include:

Sabzeh (sprouts), representing rebirth and renewal.

Senjed (Russian olive), symbolizing love.

Seeb (apple), representing beauty and health.

Seer (garlic), denoting medicine.

Samanu (wheat pudding), indicating fertility and wealth.

Serkeh (vinegar), signifying patience and wisdom.

Sumac (spice), mirroring sunrise—the start of a new day.

In Iran, Nowruz is more than just a seasonal festival. It represents a profound metaphysical renewal.

According to ancient Persian traditions, Nowruz marks the triumph of good over evil. It is also believed to symbolize the bond between humanity, nature, and the Divine.

The festival has also been associated with Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). Many believe the first Shiite Imam and fourth caliph was born and assumed the caliphate on this day.

According to legend, a gift of falooda, a sweet rose-flavored dessert, was sent to Imam Ali (AS) on Nowruz. When he learned the reason for the gift, he announced: “May every day be Nowruz.”

Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq (AS), the sixth Shiite Imam, is said to have emphasized the importance of remembering God on the day of Nowruz.

According to one of the sayings of the seventh Shiite Imam, Musa Kazim (AS), Nowruz is the day when God made a covenant with souls to worship Him and not associate any partners with Him.

“It is on this day that the universe started its motion, and the flowers appeared on Earth. Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on this first day of the Spring Equinox,” thus increasing the significance of Nowruz for Muslims.

In various cultures, Nowruz is a time when agrarian communities express gratitude for the earth’s fertility and prepare for the upcoming agricultural season, essential for the continuation of the human race.

The cyclical rebirth in nature, where winter yields to spring, has significant spiritual implications for pastoral communities. People believed in the presence of a living, spiritual essence within all elements of nature. Thus, the return of spring was seen as a manifestation of nature’s power.

Iranians welcome Persian New Year while observing Ramadan’s nights of destiny

Persian New Year this year coincides with Ramadan

Historically, celebrating Nowruz reinforced faith in the ongoing cosmic struggle and the eventual triumph of good. In ancient Iran, Nowruz festivities reaffirmed the commitment to the principles of truth, order, and righteousness.

In 2016, UNESCO recognized Nowruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its significance as a cultural bridge between tradition and modernity.

In 2010, the United Nations marked March 21 as International Nowruz Day, commemorating the centuries-old Persian festival.

Ayatollah Khamenei calls for 'investments for production' in New Year message

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei calls for investments for production in his New Year message to the Iranian nation.

The holiday sees millions worldwide observing the rebirth of nature by engaging in various festivities. Nowruz is celebrated with great fervor across countries influenced by Persian culture, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian nations.

Nowruz in Afghanistan

Nowruz celebrations in Afghanistan include preparing Haft Mewa, a delicacy made with seven kinds of dried fruit. It is an addition to the traditional haft-seen table.

The Gul-e-Surkh (Red Flower) Festival is a principal Nowruz celebration in Afghanistan. It takes place in the northern Mazar-i-Sharif province during the first 40 days of the year when red tulips bloom across the green plains and hills surrounding the city.

The flag-unfurling ceremony (Jhenda Bala) in the courtyard of the iconic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif is followed by a Buzkashi tournament—a traditional Afghan sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal.

The day after Nowruz is celebrated as Farmer’s Day in Afghanistan, marked with ceremonies and displays of agricultural products and livestock.

Nowruz in Tajikistan

Tajikistan's biggest annual celebration is Nowruz.

For Tajiks, Nowruz represents a festival of friendship and the renewal of all living beings. Similar to Persian tradition, Tajiks also jump over fire on the last Wednesday (Chaharshanbe Suri) of the year.

One of the oldest Nowruz traditions in Tajikistan is the gathering of wildflowers by children in villages. Wearing colorful attire, children walk around, knock on people’s doors, and present flowers to neighbors while reciting old songs. This custom takes place one week before Nowruz.

In some villages, communities come together to help individuals facing hardships. The occasion is also used to seek forgiveness for past mistakes and mend relationships.

Nowruz in Azerbaijan

Nowruz is a centuries-old tradition in Azerbaijan, embodying the renewal of life.

In the four weeks leading up to the festival, Azerbaijanis observe four sacred Tuesdays, each dedicated to one of nature’s fundamental elements:

Water Tuesday – Representing purity and rejuvenation.

Fire Tuesday – Signifying warmth and vitality.

Wind Tuesday – Symbolizing movement and transformation.

Earth Tuesday – Awakening nature’s fertility and strength.

For Azerbaijanis, these elements signify the arrival of spring and ensure a year of prosperity and well-being.

Children knocking on doors for treats is an important part of Nowruz. Kids leave their hats or bags at doors, hoping to receive candies and desserts such as shekarbura and paklava in return.

Nowruz in Kashmir

Historically, Indian-administered Kashmir has had strong cultural ties with Iran, with Persian culture significantly influencing Kashmiri traditions.

Like in Iran, Nowruz is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the Himalayan region. People visit prominent shrines and mosques to offer special prayers.

The agrarian society of Kashmir considers Nowruz highly auspicious. According to local tradition, farmers believe that seeds sown on Nowruz will bloom into healthy plants.

On March 21, Kashmiris also observe the International Day of Forests, with plantation drives held across the picturesque valley.

Rain on Nowruz, commonly known as Nowruz-Khund, is considered a blessing. People collect the rainwater, believing in its healing properties.

Much like in Iran, Nowruz delicacies in Kashmir include fish and lotus stem (Nadur) cooked with collard greens.

For Kashmiris, Nowruz is an occasion to visit relatives and acquaintances, reviving bonds as the Earth prepares for its rebirth.

The festival of Nowruz, with its deep historical roots and cultural significance, acts as a unifying force for people across diverse regions, languages and cultures.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk