Nowruz 2025: Timeless celebration of world’s oldest traditions

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – Nowruz, the ancient festival marking the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year, is being celebrated by more than 300 million people across the globe. 

Observed in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, Nowruz—meaning “new day” in Persian—symbolizes renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. 

Dating back more than 3,000 years, Nowruz has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions. 

It celebrates the vernal equinox, the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing balance and new beginnings. 

Over time, the festival transcended religious boundaries, evolving into a secular celebration embraced by diverse cultures.  

For Iranians, Nowruz is more than a holiday; it is a deeply embedded cultural and social event. 

Preparations begin weeks in advance, with families engaging in “khane takani,” or “shaking the house,” a tradition of deep-cleaning homes to symbolize a fresh start. 

The festival officially begins with “Chaharshanbe Suri,” a fire festival held on the last Wednesday before the new year, where people jump over bonfires to ward off sickness and welcome health.  

The centerpiece of Nowruz celebrations is the Haft Seen table, an arrangement of seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter “S,” each representing themes such as rebirth, love, and prosperity. 

The festivities conclude on the 13th day with “Sizdah Bedar,” when families spend time outdoors, reconnecting with nature.   

Despite the economic hardships of Iranian people, and the West’s threats to the Iranian nation, Nowruz remains a powerful symbol of resilience and hope, with Iranians celebrating without immanent fear.  

The festival’s universal themes of renewal and unity resonate beyond Iran. In Afghanistan, the “Guli Surkh” festival marks the start of Nowruz with outdoor celebrations and poetry readings. 

In Central Asia, traditional games and horse racing accompany the festivities, while in the Caucasus, public feasts bring communities together.  

Music, dance, and poetry play a central role in Nowruz celebrations. In Iran, traditional storytelling and the recitation of works by poets like Hafez and Rumi highlight themes of heroism, love, and moral lessons. 

These cultural expressions underscore the festival’s enduring significance as a unifying force across political and religious divides.  

This year, as families gather around modest Haft Seen tables and adapt to financial constraints, the essence of Nowruz—renewal, gratitude, and unity—remains undiminished. 

It is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the human capacity to find light even in challenging times.  

Happy Nowruz to all who celebrate. May this new year bring prosperity, happiness, and the promise of brighter days ahead.