Nowruz

Nowruz is the Persian New Year, a festival that marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar, typically falling around March 20th or 21st. It is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, not just in Iran, but also in countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East and South Asia. Nowruz, which translates to "new day" in Persian, symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. The holiday is deeply rooted in Persian culture, and it represents a time of joy, family gatherings, reflection, and the celebration of life. Key Traditions of Nowruz: Spring Cleaning (Khaneh Tekani): People clean and refresh their homes to welcome the new year. Haft-Seen Table: A symbolic arrangement of seven items that start with the letter "S" in Persian, each representing different aspects of life, including health, prosperity, love, and nature. Family Gatherings and Feasts: Families gather for meals and to visit friends and relatives, offering gifts and celebrating together. Fire Jumping (Chaharshanbe Suri): On the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people jump over bonfires to cleanse themselves of bad luck and impurities.