Nowruz(نوروز)

Nowruz is celebrated on the day of the vernal (spring) equinox, typically on March 20 or 21 in the Gregorian calendar. The exact moment of the equinox determines the start of the new year in the Solar Hijri calendar used in Iran and Afghanistan.

Nowruz (meaning 'New Day' in Persian) is the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years. It marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Solar Hijri calendar. Nowruz is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nowruz is celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Iraq, and India (among Parsi communities). It is the biggest holiday of the year in Iran and is a public holiday across Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Yes, Nowruz is a public holiday in Iran (typically 5 days), Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Iraq. The United Nations also observes an International Day of Nowruz on March 21.

Nowruz traditions include setting up the Haft-sin table with seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter 'S' (such as sprouts, garlic, apple, vinegar, dried berries, pudding, and coins), spring cleaning of the home, wearing new clothes, visiting family and elders, jumping over bonfires (Chaharshanbe Suri), and celebrating with traditional music and dance.