Nowruz, a festival with a history spanning 3,000 years, is celebrated by millions of people around the world.
“Millions of individuals across the globe are joining in the festivities of Nowruz, a significant cultural celebration signifying the onset of spring and the commencement of the new year in certain traditions. This holiday involves various customs such as cleaning, spending time with family, and indulging in delicious cuisine. Lasting for 13 days, Nowruz festivities encompass joyful rituals aimed at embracing the fresh start of the year and appreciating the rejuvenation of nature.”
Numerous nations rejoice in Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year. This festive occasion is cherished by people hailing from regions like Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey, as well as their global communities. Nowruz, which translates to ‘new day’ in Persian, symbolizes the beginning of spring and serves as a joyful gathering for families.
On Tuesday, Google marked Nowruz with a unique doodle in numerous countries, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, the UK, and the US. However, it’s worth noting that in Iran, where Nowruz is also significant, access to Google is restricted.
The colorful image, featuring animals playing musical instruments, was designed by Iranian artist and Google Design Director Pendar Yousefi. Yousefi mentioned that the doodle reflects his fond memories of celebrating Nowruz during his childhood.
When is Nowruz?
Nowruz, which marks the beginning of spring, occurs precisely at the vernal equinox when day and night have equal lengths. The timing of Nowruz varies depending on the location, such as 6:36 a.m. on March 20th in Tehran, Iran, and celebrated twice a year in India on March 20th and August 15th.
Recognizing its cultural significance, the United Nations designated March 21st, typically coinciding with the vernal equinox, as International Nowruz Day in 2010, celebrating this ancient tradition.
What are Nowruz origins?
The exact start of Nowruz isn’t known for sure, but many think it began about 3,000 years ago. It’s linked to Zoroastrianism, a really old religion. People believe they celebrated Nowruz in Persepolis, an ancient city in Iran.
There are cool stories about how Nowruz started. One says a king named Jamshid rode into the sky on a chariot, making people start celebrating. Another story tells how Jamshid battled his evil twin brother and won, bringing good luck to his kingdom.
How is Nowruz celebrated ?
Before Nowruz begins, people spend weeks preparing by cleaning their homes and getting everything ready. When the festival starts, families gather, share meals, and exchange gifts.
Different countries have their own unique ways of celebrating Nowruz. In Afghanistan, they enjoy a dessert called haft mewa and participate in the traditional sport of buzkashi. In Azerbaijan, special rituals are held on four Tuesdays before Nowruz, focusing on elements like water and fire.
In Iran, families set up a special table called haft-seen during Nowruz. It’s adorned with symbolic items like fruits and sprouts, representing new beginnings. These sprouts are often released into a river or stream on the final day of Nowruz.
How is Nowruz changing ?
In recent years, Nowruz celebrations in Iran have been characterized by a more subdued atmosphere due to economic challenges and inflation. Amidst political tensions between conservative authorities and progressive youth, public dances during Nowruz have emerged as a symbol of defiance against traditional norms discouraging mixed-gender dancing. Moreover, concerns about climate change have grown among Nowruz celebrants, reflecting the festival’s intrinsic connection with nature. Persis Karim, Director of the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at San Francisco State University, emphasized the environmental threats facing Nowruz, such as rising temperatures and water scarcity, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship.