International Day of Nowruz (21 Mar)
The United Nations designated International Day of Nowruz, observed on March 21, holds significant cultural and historical importance. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year in various regions of the world, including Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and parts of South Asia.
Nowruz, which means ’new day’ in Persian, is an ancient festival with roots in Zoroastrianism, the pre-Islamic religion of Persia. It is believed that Nowruz marks the day when the mythical king Jamshid ascended to the throne and established justice and prosperity in the world.
Celebrations of Nowruz involve a variety of traditions and rituals that vary depending on the region and culture. Some common practices include:
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Spring Cleaning: Homes and communities are thoroughly cleaned to symbolize the removal of negativity and the welcoming of new beginnings.
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Setting Up the Haft-Seen Table: In Iran, people set up a special table called the Haft-Seen, which literally means ‘seven S’s.’ The table is adorned with seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ in Persian, such as sumac, vinegar, garlic, wheatgrass, apples, coins, and sweets, each symbolizing different auspicious qualities.
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Fire Jumping: In many Central Asian countries, people jump over bonfires to purify themselves and bring good luck.
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Traditional Cuisine: Special dishes are prepared for Nowruz, such as ‘samanu’ (a sweet wheat pudding), ‘sabzi polo mahi’ (herbed rice with fish), and ‘dolma’ (stuffed grape leaves).
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Family Gatherings: Nowruz is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and share meals.
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Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance performances are common during Nowruz celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The United Nations recognized the importance of Nowruz in 2010, declaring March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz. This recognition aims to promote cultural diversity, dialogue, and understanding among different communities that celebrate Nowruz.
Celebrating International Day of Nowruz
The International Day of Nowruz is a global celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar. It is observed on the day of the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21.
Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, has its roots in ancient Zoroastrianism and is celebrated in many countries that were once part of the Persian Empire, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is also celebrated in some parts of India, China, and the Caucasus region.
On Nowruz, people celebrate the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. They gather with family and friends to share traditional dishes, exchange gifts, and participate in various festivities.
One of the most important traditions of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, which is a display of seven symbolic items that represent different aspects of life, such as health, prosperity, and love. The table is usually decorated with flowers, candles, and mirrors, and it is a centerpiece of Nowruz celebrations.
Another popular tradition is jumping over a bonfire, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. People also participate in traditional sports and games, such as wrestling and tug-of-war, and they enjoy music, dancing, and storytelling.
In many countries, Nowruz is a national holiday, and people have time off from work or school to celebrate. Governments and organizations often organize cultural events, parades, and concerts to mark the occasion.
The International Day of Nowruz was recognized by the United Nations in 2010, and it is now celebrated around the world as a symbol of peace, unity, and cultural diversity.