International Day of Nowruz

International Day of Nowruz History

International Day of Nowruz marks the celebration of the Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz. It essentially symbolizes a moment of new beginnings, spring's arrival, and celebrates the universal values of peace, solidarity, and goodwill among people regardless of their cultural backgrounds. This observance is particularly recognized for promoting diversity, tolerance, and respect for cultural traditions and heritage, fundamentally contributing to international peace and security.

Historically, Nowruz, meaning 'new day', is a tradition originating from ancient Persia over 3,000 years ago and is celebrated by approximately 300 million people worldwide today, including a substantial number in India. Being a multicultural country, India's diverse populace includes a significant population of Iranians, Parsis, and other communities that observe Nowruz, and thus the day has considerable importance. On this day, the UN acknowledges the vital role that these traditions, inclusive of Nowruz, play in enhancing India's cultural diversity and fostering mutual respect and harmony.

In India, the celebration of the International Day of Nowruz is mostly localized within the Parsi and Iranian communities. Its observation is similar to practices worldwide, involving the arrangement of the 'Haft-Seen' table that symbolizes new life, prosperity, love, and happiness. Additionally, Indian adherents also incorporate traditional rituals and adorn their homes and streets to bring in the spring season joyously. To conclude, International Day of Nowruz coincides with the vernal equinox that marks the beginning of spring, typically falling on March 21, mirroring the spirit of renewal echoed across the Indian subcontinent through a similar festival, 'Holi'.

Facts about International Day of Nowruz

• International Day of Nowruz is celebrated by many countries in western, central, and southern Asia. These include Afghanistan, Georgia, Albania, Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• The oldest records of Nowruz go back to 247 B.C during the Arsacid/Parthian times.
• One tradition during Nowruz is to pay short house visits to family, friends, and neighbors.
• It is traditionally celebrated on the Vernal Equinox that marks the beginning of spring. Although its roots are in Zoroastrianism, Nowruz is a secular festival in India and is enjoyed regardless of religion.
• Kashmiris celebrate Nowruz (which they refer to as Navreh) with traditional food, folk music, and dancing. They also practice the ritual of filling a plate called 'Thal Bharun', symbolizing prosperity for the coming year.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Nowruz

Top things to do in India for International Day of Nowruz

• Give your family members gifts. On the first day of Nowruz, family members gather around the Haft Seen table and await the exact moment of spring. Once it arrivesm, everyone exchanges gifts.
• Enjoy a picnic. On the last day of Nowruz it is custom to go outdoors and have picnics and parties as a way to avoid bad luck.
• Visit a local Agiary (a place of worship for Zoroastrians) in Mumbai or Gujarat, where the largest concentrations of India’s Zoroastrian population live. Nowruz is one of the most important festivals for Zoroastrians and the fire temples are decorated beautifully during this time.
• Read a book to learn more about Nowruz in India:
  The Everlasting Flame: Zoroastrianism in History and Imagination - by Sarah Stewart: This book sheds light on Zoroastrianism, the religion that introduced Nowruz.
  The Parsis of India: Preservation of Identity in Bombay City - by Jesse S. Palsetia: This book explores the culture and traditions of the Parsi community in India, who celebrate Nowruz.