Nowruz 2024: What Is Nowruz And How Is The Persian New Year Celebrated?

Nowruz 2024: Nowruz, also known as No-Ruz or Farsi for "new day," is an ancient festival that celebrates the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Nowruz is the national New Year festivity celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Kurdish regions of Iraq, Turkey and Syria, and throughout Central Asia.

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz is a celebration that signifies the transition from the old year to the new, typically observed on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, commonly falling between on March 19-21. Spanning 13 days, it offers a chance for introspection on past experiences and aspirations for the future. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion predating both Christianity and Islam, Nowruz holds significant cultural and spiritual significance.

According to UNESCO, the arrival of spring holds profound spiritual meaning, symbolizing the victory of goodness over evil and happiness over sadness.

As per UNESCO, ¡°The Spirit of Noon, known as Rapithwina, who was considered to be driven underground by the Spirit of Winter during the cold months, was welcomed back with celebrations at noon on the day of Nowruz according to Zoroastrian tradition.¡±

International Nowruz Day

The celebration is included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as International Nowruz Day in 2010.

Who celebrates Nowruz?

The festivity is celebrated in countries with significant Persian cultural influence, such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It is also observed by minority communities in the Americas and Europe, including cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and London.

When was Nowruz first celebrated?

Described by the 11th-century Persian astronomer and poet Omar Khayyam as "the renewal of the world," Nowruz dates back thousands of years.

While its exact origins are uncertain, Nowruz is believed to be at least 3,000 years old, originating during the time of the Persian Empire's expansion beyond the borders of modern Iran. It is not mentioned in the Avesta.

Throughout its long history, Nowruz has evolved and grown, incorporating various social, religious, and cultural influences as it spread across regions along established trade routes. Today, it is celebrated by an estimated 300 million people worldwide.

Despite facing numerous challenges over the centuries, including conquests by Arab forces in the 7th and 8th centuries and attempts by various governments to suppress cultural identities, Nowruz has endured as a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.

Where is Nowruz celebrated?

Nowruz is primarily celebrated in Iran and Afghanistan, which follow the Solar Hijri calendar. However, it's also observed by many Persian and Central Asian communities around the world, regardless of their religious background.

Nowruz 2024: FAQs

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz, also spelled Norooz, Nowrooz, or ?????, is the Iranian New Year and a spring equinox celebration. It marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

When is Nowruz 2024?

Nowruz begins at the exact moment of the vernal equinox. In 2024, this falls on Wednesday, March 20th. Celebrations typically last for two weeks.

Where is Nowruz celebrated?

Nowruz is primarily celebrated in Iran and Afghanistan, which follow the Solar Hijri calendar. It's also observed by many Persian and Central Asian communities around the world, regardless of their religious background.

Is Nowruz a religious holiday?

Nowruz predates Islam and has roots in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Iranian religion. Today, it's considered a secular holiday, celebrated by people of various faiths and ethnicities.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on general information.

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