What is Nowruz and why is it celebrated?

Several cultures around the world celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Iranian or Persian New Year.

A festival based on the Persian Solar Hijri calendar is held on or around March 21 on the Gregorian calendar, which corresponds to the spring equinox.

The celebration of Nowruz has been going on for more than 3,000 years across Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia.

It has its roots in the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism and is thus deeply rooted in Iranian cultural traditions.

What is Nowruz and why is it celebrated?

Nowruz, which means “new day” in Farsi, has its roots in ancient Iran and dates back more than 3,000 years.

It commemorates the start of the traditional Iranian New Year, which marks the beginning of spring. This year, the 13-day festival will begin at 2:24 p.m. (PDT) on March 20, 2023.