How the World Celebrates Nowruz: A Festival of New Beginnings and Togetherness
Every year, as winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, millions of people across the world come together to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Rooted in over 3,000 years of tradition, Nowruz marks the spring equinox and symbolises new beginnings, hope and unity. From Turkey to Iran, Central Asia to South Asia, this ancient festival is filled with fire-jumping rituals, family gatherings, festive meals and outdoor celebrations.
But while the spirit of Nowruz remains the same, each country has its own way of making the occasion special.
What is Nowruz in Islam and why is it celebrated?
Nowruz, meaning “new day”, is a festival that dates back to the Zoroastrian era. Today, it is widely observed by people of various religions and cultures, particularly in Persian, Kurdish and Turkic communities.
While Nowruz is not an Islamic holiday, it is observed by Muslims in Iran, Central Asia and parts of the Middle East. Some Islamic scholars regard it as a cultural event rather than a religious one, though many celebrate it with prayers, charity and family gatherings.
Nowruz is recognised globally and in 2025, Nowruz will be celebrated on March 21, bringing together millions to mark the start of a new year.
Fire, feasts and festivities: How different cultures celebrate Nowruz
In Turkey, the arrival of spring is met with bonfires, folk dances and poetry readings, especially in the eastern and southeastern regions. Lighting a fire and jumping over the flames is a symbolic way to leave behind negativity and step into the new year with strength and good fortune. In cities like Istanbul and Ankara, Nowruz is celebrated with concerts, performances and festive meals, bringing communities together.
Across Iran, Nowruz preparations begin weeks in advance. Families deep clean their homes in a tradition called khooneh-tekouni (literally "shaking the house"), symbolising a fresh start. On Chaharshanbe Suri, the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people jump over bonfires while chanting "Give me your red colour, take away my sickness!" to embrace health and happiness for the year ahead. At the heart of the celebration is the Haft-Seen table, a beautifully arranged display of seven symbolic items, each representing prosperity, love and wisdom.
In Central Asia, Nowruz is all about community and feasting. Families in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan cook sumalak, a traditional wheat-based dish that simmers for hours while people gather to share stories, sing songs and stir the pot together. In Tajikistan, Nowruz is marked with Buzkashi, a thrilling horseback game, while in Turkmenistan, mass dances and outdoor festivities bring people together for days of celebration.
For Afghans, Nowruz is closely tied to Jashn-e Dehqān, or Farmer’s Day, reflecting the festival’s deep agricultural roots. In Mazar-i-Sharif, thousands gather at the Blue Mosque to witness the raising of the Janda (Holy Flag), a powerful symbol of good fortune and unity. The holiday is also a time for kite flying, poetry readings and special dishes like Haft Mewa, a delicious mix of dried fruits and nuts enjoyed during the celebrations.
In Kurdish regions across Turkey, Iraq and Syria, Nowruz is more than a celebration – it is a symbol of cultural identity and resilience. People dress in vibrant traditional clothing, gather in nature and dance in circles - a traditional Kurdish folk dance. Bonfires light up the night as families and friends welcome the new year with hope and renewal.
Even in India and Pakistan, where Nowruz is celebrated by Parsi and Shia Muslim communities, the festival is marked by prayers, feasts and family gatherings. Many visit fire temples, exchange gifts and enjoy traditional dishes in a spirit of gratitude and renewal.
Happy Nowruz: A festival that brings people together
Though celebrated in many ways, Nowruz carries a universal message of hope, renewal and togetherness. Whether it is jumping over fires in Turkey, setting up Haft-Seen tables in Iran or sharing sumalak in Central Asia, people around the world use this time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings.
For those living far from home, Nowruz can also be a time to reconnect with family and friends. Many people send money to loved ones to help with celebrations, special meals and festive gifts, making the festival even more meaningful.
Wherever you are in the world, Nowruz is a reminder that every new season brings fresh possibilities.
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