March 21 — Nowruz: how the Eastern nations celebrate their "new year"

In the culture of many Eastern nations, there is a holiday symbolizing a new beginning and the arrival of spring — Navruz. It is celebrated on March 21, in 2025 it is Friday. The very word "Nowruz" is translated from Persian as "new day" or "new year", which symbolizes the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. Izvestia tells about the origin and traditions of the significant day.

Navruz-2025 — the history of the holiday

The Navruz holiday originates in ancient Persia. The celebration is connected with the spread of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest world religions. The holiday acquired special importance during the reign of the Achaemenid dynasty in the IV–V century BC.

Nowruz is an important holiday for many peoples of the East, including Tajiks, Uzbeks, Kurds, Afghans, Azerbaijanis and others. Each nation brings its own traditions and peculiarities to the celebration, but the main idea of the holiday remains the connection with nature, the continuation of the life cycle and renewal. The traditions of the celebration in some countries are deeply intertwined with the Muslim religion, although it is not a part of it.

Over time, the celebration of Navruz has become not only a national, but also a cultural event that unites various ethnic groups and faiths. Nowadays, millions still celebrate Navruz, reflecting the deep value and respect for the cultural heritage and unity of peoples.

Traditions of the Navruz holiday

The traditions of celebrating Navruz vary depending on the region, but some elements are found everywhere. They begin to prepare for the holiday in advance — they clean up the house, distribute debts in order to meet the spring with a clean home and without burdensome obligations.

On this day, it is customary to serve a variety of traditional dishes and sweets on the festive table. One of the most famous dishes is samanu, a sweet millet pie that symbolizes wealth and abundance. Other dishes are also prepared, according to tradition, there should be seven products on the table, the names of which begin with a letter from the Persian alphabet.

As on Orthodox Easter, it is customary to paint eggs on Navruz and put them on the table. Most often, the shell is made green — according to the color of the renewing nature.

Nowruz is a time when people come together. Relatives and friends come to each other's houses to exchange congratulations and sit down at the festive table together.

In many countries, various festive events are organized, such as concerts, festivals, national games, traditional dances and musical performances. People dress up in national costumes and actively participate in the festivities.

Spring is celebrated with the help of traditional holiday attributes. For example, candles are placed on the table, since fire is considered a force that protects people from evil spirits. Another symbol of Navruz is sprouted wheat sprouts tied with a red ribbon. Such bouquets decorate houses and tables.

How to congratulate on Navruz in 2025

It is customary to congratulate friends, family members, colleagues and everyone who is greeted on the day of the celebration. You can say "Nowruz Muborak!", which will mean "happy new year", or just wish a happy holiday. Depending on the situation, other parting words can be expressed, for example: "Happy New Year, so that every day is bright and joyful, like the first day of spring!" Or: "May Nowruz bring you a new beginning and abundance!"

On Navruz, you can also give a variety of gifts, flowers, sweets, and jewelry to please your loved ones.

On March 20, many countries and peoples celebrate the Vernal Equinox, a holiday that also symbolizes renewal and the arrival of a new season of abundance. Izvestia revealed to readers the history and traditions of the significant day.