Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
As the winter fades in the Northern Hemisphere and the days grow longer, millions of people are preparing to welcome Nuurus, the Persian New Year, which marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes a fresh beginnings.
Observed for more than 3000 years, this 13-day The festival is united Communities in Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, parts of the Middle East and beyond.
Here is everything you need to know about tradition and its unique customs.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz, which means “new day” by Persian, marks the first day of spring and the beginning of New Year in the Persian solar calendar.
Originating in three millennia, Nowruz is rooted in Zoroastrianism – An ancient Persian religion that precedes Christianity and Islam. It also remains one of the oldest ever -celebrated holidays in the world. While many ancient festivals have faded, Nusturus has been transferred through generations and is still widely observed to this day.
It aligns with the spring equinox when the sun intersects the heavenly equator. Not only does this marked the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, but it also brings almost an almost equal day and night in most places throughout the region, symbolizing the renewal, balance and new beginnings – the essence of the Nounus.
When is it celebrated?
Nowruz is celebrated at the right moment of Spring equinox When the sun crosses the heavenly equator. In 2025, this happens on Thursday, March 20, at 12:31:30 Iran standard time (9:01:30 GMT).
The right time varies all over the world:
- New York, USA: 5:01 pm EDT
- United Arab Emirates: 13:01 GST
- India: 14:31 is
- Azerbaijan: 13:01
Although the event usually falls between March 19 and 21, the exact date and time change slightly each year, as they are based on accurate astronomical calculations.
Where is it celebrated?
Nusturus is widely observed in areas influenced by Persian culture, including Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, central Asian nations (such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan), as well as parts of Caucas, the Middle East, and the Balkans.
In addition, the holiday was recognized by Kurdish communities in Iraq, Syria and Turkish, as well as by Parsi and Zoroastrian communities in India and Pakistan.
Parsis are Zoroastrians who have migrated from Persia (modern Iran) to South Asia Between the 8th and 10th centuries, mainly due to the gradual decline in Zoroastrianism after the Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century.
How is Noruse celebrated?
As NOWRUZ is a time for new beginnings, purification and connection, its traditions channel these topics. While the way people celebrate may be different from the country of the country, some key customs are shared in many cultures.
Before the holiday, families deeply clean their homes to clear bad energy and welcome a new start.
On the eve of the last Wednesday before the new year, people shine fires and jump over them, symbolizing the giving of the past and stepping into the future with renewed energy.
The first few days of Nowruz are dedicated to the visit of family and friends, exchanging gifts and sharing dishes. People dress in new clothes and enjoy traditional dishes such as Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi (domestic rice with fish) and ash Reshteh (noodles).
The festivities end on the 13th day of Nusturus, when families go outdoors for picnics, enjoying the fresh air and letting bad luck.
What is the meaning of the Haft Sin table?
The Haft Sin Table, or the table of seven things that begin with the letter “S” (س) in Persian, is central to Nowruz and a family tradition.
After a special towel spreads on the table, seven objects, which begin with the “S” in Persian, each of which is symbolic, are arranged from above.
While the exact origin of this custom is unclear, it dates from ancient Persia, where humans believe that some natural elements – such as plants, fruits and spices – carry spiritual and protective qualities.
Over time, these objects have become a standard part of Haft's sin, always following the number seven, which has a deep spiritual importance in Persian and Zoroastrian beliefs. It is the creation, balance and basic elements of life (heaven, earth, water, plants, animals, fire and humans).
What do the symbols of the HAFT sin table mean?
Each element of the Haft Sin table brings special meaning:
- Sabz (germinated wheat, lentils or barley) – represents renewal and growth. It is usually grown on the days leading to Nusturus and is thrown away on the 13th day of the festival.
- Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – It symbolizes patience, power and abundance, because it is made of wheat, which takes time to germinate and grow.
- Senjed (dried Eryst fruit) – It represents the love and wisdom that is thought to encourage power in relationships.
- Viewer (garlic) – a symbol of health and protection against evil.
- (Apple) – It represents beauty and good health.
- Serke (vinegar) – It symbolizes aging, patience and wisdom.
- Sumac (crushed red fruits) – It represents sunrise and the victory of light over the darkness.
Along with the seven “S” objects, people often add a mirror to reflect on the past year, painted eggs for fertility, goldfish for new life and candles to symbolize light and happiness.
Some families also include a book on poetry or prayers – such as the Qur'an, the Persian epic, or the deeds of the Persian poet Hafez – to bring wisdom and blessing in the New Year.
