The Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, which translates to "new day," has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years. It signifies rebirth and rejuvenation and heralds the approach of spring. Nowruz occurs on March 20, 2025, which coincides with the vernal equinox.
Historical Origins and Importance
For thousands of years, populations throughout West Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia have observed Nowruz, which has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest faiths in the world. It represents themes of rebirth, renewal, and the rejuvenation of nature and represents the victory of good over evil and joy over sadness.
Global Celebrations
In addition to communities in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, more than 300 million people around the world celebrate Nowruz today. Public celebrations, cultural events, and community get-togethers are frequently a part of festivities.
Traditional Practices
- Chaharshanbe Suri
This "Festival of Fire" is celebrated on the eve of the final Wednesday before Nowruz and involves leaping over bonfires, which represents the warding off of evil spirits and the purifying of the soul. Participants recite words that ask the fire for warmth and health.
- Haft-Seen Table
The preparation of the Haft-Seen table, which consists of seven symbolic objects beginning with the Persian letter "S," is a major component of Nowruz. Every item symbolizes a distinct hope for the coming year; for example, seeb (apple) stands for beauty and sabzeh (sprouted greens) for rebirth.
- Sizdah Bedar
Families go outside for picnics and celebrations on the thirteenth day of Nowruz, honoring the natural world and throwing away the sabzeh from the Haft-Seen table, which represents the elimination of negativity.
Nowruz 2025 Highlights
In 2025, Nowruz continues to be celebrated with vibrant traditions and cultural events:
- Google Doodle: Google commemorated Nowruz 2025 with a special Doodle, highlighting the festival's rich history and significance.
- Festivities in Iran: Despite political tensions, Iranians celebrated the ancient fire festival ahead of Nowruz, with people lighting bonfires, setting off fireworks, and jumping over flames in a ritual believed to ward off evil spirits.
How to Celebrate Nowruz?
Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea Basin are among the places that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Because of its profound cultural significance, Nowruz is observed as a public holiday in nations including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkmenistan.
The Parsi community in India celebrates Nowruz in a unique way. In order to offer prayers and obtain blessings for the upcoming year, devotees travel to Zoroastrian fire temples. Special foods, including as sweets, fried fish, and herb rice, are made to share with family and friends, and homes are decked out with flower garlands. As a sign of purification and preparedness for fresh starts, the holiday also entails meticulous house cleaning.
Nowruz 2025 Wishes
- Happy Nowruz! May this new year bring you joy, prosperity, and endless blessings.
- Wishing you a fresh start and new beginnings on this beautiful occasion of Nowruz!
- May the spirit of Nowruz fill your home with peace, love, and happiness.
- On this special day, may you find joy in every moment, happiness in every step, and success in every endeavor. Happy Nowruz!
- As spring blooms, may your life be filled with fresh opportunities and success. Happy Nowruz!
- May the new year bring peace to your heart and success in all your endeavors. Nowruz Mubarak!
- The arrival of spring reminds us that life is all about new beginnings. May Nowruz bring you happiness and fulfillment.
- Wishing you and your loved ones a Nowruz filled with love, laughter, and positivity. May this year be your best yet!
- Nowruz is a time for hope and renewal. May this year bring you closer to your dreams.
- As the flowers bloom, may your worries fade away. Have a joyful and prosperous Nowruz!
- Wishing you a bright and prosperous Nowruz! May this new year bring you happiness and success.
- May the Haft-Seen table bring you health, happiness, and success in the year ahead! Nowruz Mubarak!
- May this Nowruz bring you health, wealth, and endless blessings.
- Happy Nowruz, my friend! May this year be full of laughter, love, and great memories.
- May the first day of the month of Farvardin bring hope and light to you. Happy Nowruz.