Date
Friday
Mar
21

March 21

International Day of Nowruz

Get ready to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of spring with vibrant colors, delicious food, and joyous traditions on International Day of Nowruz!

Yearly Date
March 21
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

March 21 marks a special day for over 300 million people around the world – it's International Day of Nowruz! This ancient holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is regarded as the beginning of the new year in many cultures. Nowruz, which translates to "new day", symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the arrival of spring. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share traditional meals, and participate in joyful festivities. So get ready to join in on the celebrations and embrace the spirit of Nowruz!

International Day of Nowruz Timeline

3000 B.C.
Nowruz Origins
Nowruz originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) over 3,000 years ago as a Zoroastrian festival marking the New Year and the coming of spring.
7th Century
Nowruz Under Islam
After the Islamic conquest of Persia, Nowruz continued to be celebrated and gradually spread to neighboring regions.
16th Century
Nowruz in the Ottoman Empire
The holiday reached the height of its popularity in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, becoming a key component of courtly life.
1935
Official Recognition in Iran
In 1935, Nowruz was officially recognized by the Iranian government and declared a national holiday.
2009
UN Recognition
The United Nations officially recognized March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz, celebrating the holiday's message of peace and solidarity.
2010
Inscribed on the UNESCO list
UNESCO inscribed Nowruz on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further acknowledging its global cultural significance.

How to Celebrate International Day of Nowruz

1

Attend a Nowruz festival

Find a local Nowruz festival and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this holiday. Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and delicious food.

2

Learn about Nowruz customs

Take the time to learn about the customs and rituals associated with Nowruz. This will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the holiday.

3

Prepare a traditional Nowruz meal

Try your hand at making a traditional Nowruz dish such as Sabzi Polo (herb rice) or Ash-e Reshteh (noodle soup). Invite friends and family over to enjoy the meal together.

4

Decorate your home with Haft-Seen

Haft-Seen is a traditional Nowruz table setting that includes seven items symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Gather these items and decorate your home with them to bring the spirit of Nowruz into your space.

5

Start a Nowruz tradition

Create your own Nowruz tradition to celebrate the holiday every year. This can be something as simple as lighting candles or reading a poem together with loved ones.

Why We Love International Day of Nowruz

A

It's a celebration of the arrival of spring

Nowruz, which translates to "new day," marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the rebirth and renewal of nature. It's a joyous time when people come together to start fresh and look forward to the year ahead.

B

It's an opportunity to connect with family and friends

Nowruz is a time for gatherings and feasting with loved ones. Families come together to enjoy traditional dishes, exchange gifts, and participate in ancient rituals like jumping over bonfires for good luck and prosperity.

C

It's a celebration of diverse cultures

Nowruz is celebrated not only in Iran, but also in several other countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and diversity of these nations and brings people together in celebration.

International Day of Nowruz Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 20
Monday
2024
Mar 20
Wednesday
2025
Mar 20
Thursday
2026
Mar 20
Friday
2027
Mar 20
Saturday