Nowruz Festival 2025 Everything About the Persian New Year
Nowruz Festival
The Persian New Year, Nowruz, is a time to celebrate the coming of spring and to celebrate joy and rebirth. Celebrated for more than 3,000 years, this historic holiday has deep roots in Persian culture and is watched by millions of people worldwide. According to the Persian calendar, Nowruz will fall on Thursday, March 20, 2025, which is the start of a new year.
Nowruz Festival 2025
The History of Nowruz
Originating in Zoroastrianism, Nowruz, which translates as “New Day” in Persian, is strongly associated with the spring equinox. The festival is thought to have been started by the legendary Persian king King Jamshid, who envisioned it as a period of prosperity and renewal. Nowruz has become a highly celebrated cultural celebration throughout Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and even sections of South Asia and Europe over the ages, beyond religious and national boundaries.
How Nowruz is Celebrated
Numerous customs and ceremonies that represent optimism, rebirth, and purification are part of the Nowruz celebration. Among the most important traditions are:
- Getting the Haft-Seen Table Ready
- One of the main customs of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, which consists of seven symbolic objects that all start with the Persian letter “S”:
- Sabzeh, which is sprouted wheat or lentils, represents growth and rebirth.
- Senjed, or dried oleaster fruit, is a symbol of love and wisdom.
- Seer (garlic): Denotes protection and well-being
- Seeb, or apple, is a symbol of health and beauty.
- Sweet pudding, or samanu, is a symbol of power and wealth.
- Serkeh, or vinegar, is a representation of aging and patience.
- Crushed sumac symbolizes the dawn and the triumph of light over darkness.
- Also, read about Thaipusam
Nowruz 2025
2. Khaneh-Tekani’s Spring Cleaning
Before Nowruz, families extensively clean their homes.
This custom, known as Khaneh-Tekani, or “shaking the house,” signifies a new beginning for the year.
3. The final Wednesday night prior to Nowruz is when Chaharshanbe Suri, or fire jumping, occurs.
As they shout, “Give me your warmth, and take my coldness,” people leap over bonfires.
This rite represents cleansing and letting go of negativity.
4. Paying Visits to Family and Friends
During the 13-day Nowruz holiday, people travel to see their loved ones.
Children receive Eidi (money or presents) and gifts.
strengthens friendships and ties to family.
5. On the thirteenth day of Nowruz, Sizdah Bedar, also known as Nature Day, is observed.
Families like nature and have picnics outside throughout the day.
signifies the formal conclusion of the Nowruz celebrations.
