Nowruz is a festival celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kurdish communities. Nowruz, which means "New Day" in Persian, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and the first day of spring. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature, as well as a time to spend with family and friends and honor one's cultural heritage.
Nowruz is a pre-Islamic holiday that has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. It is believed to have originated in the ancient Zoroastrian religion, which was the dominant religion in Persia before the advent of Islam. Today, Nowruz is a secular holiday celebrated by people of all faiths and backgrounds.
The festival usually lasts for 13 days and is marked by a range of customs and traditions. In the weeks leading up to Nowruz, families clean their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare special foods. One of the most important customs is setting up the haft-seen table, which is a table decorated with seven symbolic items that represent health, wealth, love, wisdom, joy, patience, and purity.
Another important tradition is visiting friends and family, particularly elders, and offering them gifts and sweets. People also gather to sing, dance, and play traditional games. In some parts of the world, particularly in Iran, people also light bonfires and jump over them to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Nowruz is also a time to reflect on one's actions and make resolutions for the coming year. Many people use this time to make