Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a joyous celebration of rebirth and renewal. This ancient festival, which dates back almost 4,000 years, is observed by millions of people around the world, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and several other countries. As the first day of spring approaches, people gather with their loved ones to celebrate the new year and bid farewell to the old one.
This year, however, the Taliban’s ban on Nowruz in the province of Daikundi in Afghanistan has dampened the festivities for many locals . The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice has threatened serious repercussions for those who partake in the celebrations, leaving many Afghans feeling disheartened.
Despite this setback, many people are still celebrating Nowruz with joy and enthusiasm. President Joe Biden, in a White House event marking Persian New Year, paid tribute to Iranian women and girls who protested in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini . Biden also vowed to continue pressuring Tehran.
Nowruz – triumph of life and renewal of nature
The Nowruz celebrations are not limited to Iran and Afghanistan. In several other countries, including Azerbaijan, the holiday is celebrated with great fervor. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a message on the occasion, stating that “the arrival of spring symbolizes the triumph of life and renewal of nature” . He also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions and national values.
The festival is celebrated in different ways across different countries and regions. The festivities typically include a variety of rituals and customs, such as spring cleaning, the setting of a traditional Haft-Seen table, and the exchange of gifts. In addition, people often wear new clothes and participate in music and dance performances.
As the world observes the arrival of spring and the start of a new year, let us all take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Nowruz. It is a time for new beginnings, a time for hope and optimism, and a time for coming together with loved ones to celebrate life and the beauty of nature.
Share the Nowruz Greetings to the world and loved ones in 5 different ways
- Happy Nowruz! May this new year bring you happiness, health, and prosperity.
- Wishing you a joyful and blessed Nowruz. May this year be filled with love, success, and new opportunities.
- As we celebrate the arrival of spring and the start of a new year, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful Nowruz.
- Happy Nowruz to you and your family! May the spirit of this festive season fill your hearts with hope and positivity.
- May this Nowruz bring you new beginnings, new goals, and new dreams. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with joy and success.
Celebrate Nowruz this year with the most delicious food on table
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a festival that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The festival is not complete without the traditional food that is prepared during the celebrations. Here is the 5 food delicacies to celebrate the festival:
- Sabzi Polo ba Mahi: A dish of herbed rice and fish, Sabzi Polo ba Mahi is a staple dish during the Nowruz celebrations. It is usually served with garlic and herb-infused white fish and saffron rice.
- Ash Reshteh: A thick soup made with noodles, beans, herbs, and spices, Ash Reshteh is a hearty and delicious dish that is enjoyed during Nowruz. It is often garnished with fried onions, kashk (a dairy product), and mint.
- Dolmeh Barg: Grape leaves stuffed with ground lamb, rice, and herbs, Dolmeh Barg is a popular appetizer during Nowruz. It is often served with yogurt sauce and a sprinkling of sumac.
- Kuku Sabzi: A frittata-like dish made with herbs, eggs, and walnuts, Kuku Sabzi is a flavorful and healthy dish that is often served during the Nowruz festivities.
- Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup, Baklava is a dessert that is enjoyed by many during this festival. It is often served with a cup of tea or Persian coffee.
These are just a few of the many delicious foods that are enjoyed during the Nowruz celebrations. Each family and region may have their own traditional dishes, but the spirit of the festival remains the same: to welcome spring, renewal, and new beginnings.
