What is Nowruz?
While March 20th marks the beginning of spring for most- more than 300 million people worldwide are celebrating the start of a new year! Nowruz, also known as Iranian New Year, is celebrated on the first day of spring by folks across the Middle East and Central Asia in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kurdistan, etc., along with their diaspora communities around the world[3]. Nowruz is a two week-long celebration, marking a time for renewal, joy, hope, and that the coming year will bring peace and prosperity.
Nowruz is a celebration that centers around nature’s rebirth. It falls on the spring equinox, which is typically March 20th and 21st. Nowruz begins with a celebration known as “Chaharshanbe Suri", which is an ancient Iranian festival that is celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before the new year, marked by jumping over bonfires to ward off negative energy. Additionally, the celebration typically lasts 2 weeks long, ending with “Sezdeh Behdar", which marks the end of Nowruz and is signified by people spending time outdoors. Families spend time together throughout Nowruz by having parties, cleaning and preparing their homes (also known as “khaneh tekani” = shaking the house” and organizing a haftsin.
The “Haft-seen”, or haftsin. is an iconic aspect of Nowruz, where seven items starting with the Persian letter “S”, such as Sabzeh (sprouted wheat/barley), samanu (a wheat pudding), seer (garlic, for health), and much more are displayed on a table. Each item on the haftsin holds a deep symbolic meaning reflecting concepts like health, wealth, love, or fertility. Families begin creating this spread in their households to resemble the good energy to bring into the new year.
Role of Nowruz Amid Political Instability
Nowruz holds deep cultural and historical significance for a multitude of groups across the Middle East and Central Asia[1]. Its celebration has been a symbol of resistance in recent years amidst political instability across the region. For example, Nowruz in Iran has served as a reminder for strength especially due to strict social restrictions, and it has provided a rare opportunity to resist these restrictions, especially regarding women’s dress codes[2], defying state-imposed boundaries in subtle yet powerful ways. It has created a sense of normalcy amongst families in the face of oppression. From the Green Movement protests of 2009 to the Women, Life, Freedom movement protests in 2022, Nowruz was a symbol of connecting their calls for democratic change within the imagery of the celebration. For many Iranians, the Zoroastrian roots of Nowruz also link back to Iran’s pre-Islamic past which is important for many Iranians. Also, Nowruz celebrations in recent years have also been clouded by economic struggles and sanctions posed on Iran. With severe inflation and rates consistently nearing 40%, making it increasingly more difficult for families to afford necessities[5].
In Syria, the Kurdish population celebrated Nowruz in secret under Assad, and now Kurdish people are throwing the biggest celebrations in decades. For years, the Kurdish population faced years of political repression for celebrating it and the Assad government has historically sought to suppress Kurdish identity[4]. But for the first time in years, they are celebrating Nowruz in the open under the new transitional government and many have expressed their concerns and hopes for a brighter future in Syria. Nowruz is a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the ongoing fight for Kurdish identity and autonomy.
Conclusion
In a world where cultural identities are often challenged, Nowruz symbolizes a powerful act of resistance and resilience. More than just a festive start to the New Year, it is a declaration of continuity and important cultural history. Whether celebrated in Iran, Syria, Iraq, or more, Nowruz reclaims space for pride and political voice. It reminds us that joy, tradition, and collectivism can be radical tools for survival and that even in the face of adversity, spring will always return.
References:
[1] Nowruz a Time of Unity and Hope, Resilience and Renewal | Arab News, www.arabnews.com/node/2594248
[2] By. “The Deep Roots of Nowruz.” Tablet Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024, www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/deep-roots-nowruz-zoroastrianism.
[3] Amin, Hanadi. “Nowruz: Honoring Tradition, Community, and Rebirth in Iran and Central Asia.” International Relations Review, International Relations Review, 18 Apr. 2022, www.irreview.org/articles/nowruz-honoring-tradition-community-and-rebirth-in-iran-and-central-asia.
[4] Frayer, Lauren. “Kurdish People in Syria Celebrate Nowruz under New Regime.” NPR, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/03/25/nx-s1-5334343/kurdish-people-in-syria-celebrate-nowruz-under-new-regime.
[5] Turani, Behrouz, et al. “Iran’s Inflation Soars as Household Costs Far Exceed Official Figures.” Iran International, 27 Feb. 2025, www.iranintl.com/en/202502273615.