Nowruz (نوروز) — meaning "new day" — is the Persian New Year, one of the oldest continuously celebrated festivals on Earth. It marks the arrival of spring and is observed by more than 300 million people worldwide. In 2026 it falls around 20–21 March. Here's its remarkable history.
See the Nowruz holiday page or the Persian (Solar Hijri) calendar.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz marks the spring equinox — the precise astronomical moment when day and night are nearly equal and spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike many holidays, it's tied to an exact astronomical event, so it falls on or about 20–21 March each year. See the holiday page for the exact date.
It's the first day of the year in the [Persian (Solar Hijri) calendar](/persian-calendar), the official calendar of Iran and Afghanistan.
Ancient Zoroastrian roots
Nowruz dates back over 3,000 years, with origins in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions. It celebrated the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of nature in spring. Though its roots are pre-Islamic, today it's celebrated by people of many faiths and backgrounds as a cultural, not religious, new year.
In 2009, Nowruz was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the UN recognises 21 March as International Nowruz Day.
The Haft-sin table
The centrepiece of Nowruz is the Haft-sin (هفتسین), a table set with seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter "S" (sin), each representing a hope for the new year — such as:
- Sabzeh (sprouted greens) — rebirth and growth
- Samanu (sweet pudding) — strength
- Senjed (dried fruit) — love
- Sib (apple) — beauty and health
- Sir (garlic), Somāq (sumac), Serkeh (vinegar)
Where Nowruz is celebrated
Beyond Iran, Nowruz is a major holiday across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, parts of Iraq, Turkey, India and among diaspora communities worldwide.
Quick answers
What is Nowruz? The Persian New Year, marking the spring equinox (around 20–21 March) — a 3,000-year-old festival of renewal.
What are the roots of Nowruz? It has ancient Zoroastrian (pre-Islamic) origins, though today it's celebrated as a cultural new year across many faiths.
What is the Haft-sin? A table set with seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter "S," each representing a wish for the new year.
When is Nowruz 2026? Around 20–21 March 2026 — see the holiday page for the exact equinox date.