Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Persian, is an ancient festival marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of the Persian New Year. Rooted in tradition and observed by millions worldwide, Nowruz is a time of renewal, reflection, and festivity. The celebration brings together diverse communities, transcending borders and cultures, as they welcome a new chapter filled with hope and prosperity.
When is Nowruz 2025?
Nowruz is directly tied to the vernal equinox, when day and night are nearly equal, symbolising balance and new beginnings. In 2025, Nowruz falls on March 20 at 5:01 a.m. EST (2:31 p.m. IST), aligning perfectly with the astronomical transition into spring. This natural phenomenon has defined the festival’s timing for over 3,000 years, ensuring its deep-rooted connection to nature.
History of Nowruz
The origins of Nowruz trace back over three millennia, likely to Zoroastrian traditions in ancient Persia. It gained prominence during the Achaemenid Empire (559–330 BCE) and was celebrated by various ruling dynasties, including the Parthians and Sasanians. The festival is mentioned in historical texts, highlighting its significance in Persian culture and its recognition across different civilisations.
Nowruz also marks the first day of Farvardin, the opening month of the Iranian solar calendar. The Persian astronomer Nasir al-Din Tusi defined it as “the first day of the official New Year when the sun enters Aries before noon.”
Today, it remains the official New Year in Iran and is also widely observed in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and among various Kurdish, Turkic, Uyghur, and Parsi communities.
Significance and traditions of Nowruz
Nowruz is more than just the start of a new calendar year; it represents rejuvenation, harmony, and the triumph of light over darkness. The festival is celebrated by nearly 300 million people globally, each adding their unique cultural elements while maintaining the core spirit of the occasion.
One of the most cherished traditions is the “Haft Sin” table, a symbolic arrangement of seven items beginning with the Persian letter ‘S’ (Sin). Each item carries deep meaning:
Sabzeh (sprouts or wheatgrass): Rebirth and growth
Samanu (sweet pudding): Strength and power
Senjed (dried oleaster fruit): Love and wisdom
Seer (garlic): Health and protection
Seeb (apple): Beauty and health
Somaq (sumac berries): The sunrise and patience
Serkeh (vinegar): Age and wisdom
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Beyond the Haft Sin, Nowruz is a time of thorough spring cleaning (khaneh tekani), symbolising a fresh start. People wear new clothes, visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and share traditional meals such as Sabzi Polo (herbed rice with fish) and Kuku Sabzi (herb omelette).
The celebrations extend for 13 days, culminating in Sizdah Bedar, the day of outdoor festivities. Families spend time in nature, enjoying picnics and social gatherings while symbolically discarding any negativity from the past year.
