Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. The moment the Sun crosses thecelestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and families gather together to observe the rituals.
Nowruz is celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. It is a secular holiday that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths. It is originated in the geographical area called Greater Persia (modern day Iran, Western Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). The distinct culture based on the language, food, music and leisure activities that developed among the many people and ethnic groups who lived in this area are known as Persian.
Nowruz is partly rooted in the religious tradition of Zoroastrianism. Among other ideas, Zoroastrianism is the first ever monotheistic religion that emphasizes broad concepts such as the corresponding work of Good and evil in the world, and the connection of humans to nature. Zoroastrian practices were dominant for much of the history of ancient Persia (centered in what is now Iran). Nowruz is believed to have been invented byZoroaster himself, although there is no clear date of origin.[22] Since the Achaemenid era the official year has begun with the New Day when the Sunleaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox. Nowruz is also a holy day for Sufis, Bektashis,Ismailis, Alawites,[23] Alevis, Babis and adherents of the Bahá'í Faith.[24]
The term Nowruz in writing first appeared in Persian records in the 2nd century AD, but it was also an important day during the time of theAchaemenids (c. 550–330 BCE), where kings from different nations under the Persian Empire used to bring gifts to the Emperor, also called King of Kings (Shahanshah), of Persia on Nowruz. The significance of Nowruz in the Achaemenid empire was such that the great Persian king Cambyses II's appointment as the king of Babylon was legitimized only after his participation in the New Year festival (Nowruz).[25]
The UN's General Assembly in 2010 recognized the International Day of Nowruz, describing it as a spring festival of Persian origin which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years.[26][27] During the meeting of The Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage of theUnited Nations, held between 28 September – 2 October 2009 in Abu Dhabi, Nowrūz was officially registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.[28][29][30][31]
The official world celebration for Nowruz is held in countries which observe this festival. The first world celebration for Nowruz was held in the capital of Iran Tehran on 27 March 2010. Until now this celebration has been held in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
