How long does Nowruz last?

Nowruz lasts 13 days. The final day is called Sizdah Bedar, when families leave their homes to picnic outdoors in nature and discard the sprouted sabzeh greens into running water.

What foods are served during Nowruz?

Traditional dishes vary by country. In Iran, popular foods include sabzi polo ba mahi (herbed rice with fried fish) and kookoo sabzi (a herby green frittata). In Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, plov — an aromatic rice dish with meat and vegetables — is the centerpiece. Afghan families serve sabzi challow (spinach and lamb curry), while Azerbaijanis prepare shekerbura pastries and dolma.

Happy Nowruz — Key Information

Q: What does Nowruz mean?

Nowruz combines the Persian words now (new) and ruz (day), literally meaning New Day.

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About This Site

HappyNowruz.com is an informational website celebrating Nowruz, the Iranian and Persian New Year. It features a live countdown to the 2026 spring equinox, cultural information, traditions, food guides, and a contact form for community events.

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz (نوروز) — meaning "New Day" in Persian — is the Iranian and Persian New Year. It is a 3,000-year-old celebration rooted in Zoroastrianism that marks the arrival of spring on or around the vernal equinox (March 20–21). It is observed by approximately 300 million people across Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and diaspora communities worldwide.

Key Facts

Date: March 20, 2026 (Spring Equinox)
Iranian Calendar Year: 1405
Exact Time: 7:46 AM Pacific Time / 2:46 PM UTC
Duration: 13 days
Celebrants: ~300 million people worldwide
Origin: Zoroastrianism, over 3,000 years ago
UNESCO: Inscribed on Intangible Cultural Heritage list (2009)
UN: International Day of Nowruz (Resolution 64/253, 2010)
Countries: Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, and diaspora communities globally

Major Traditions

Haft-sin Table: A ceremonial display of 7 symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter "S"
Chaharshanbe Suri: Fire festival on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz
Khane Tekani: Thorough spring cleaning of the home
Sizdah Bedar: Outdoor picnics on the 13th and final day
Eid Didani: Visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts

The Haft-sin Table — Seven Symbols

Each item begins with the Persian letter Sin (س) and carries symbolic meaning:

Sabzeh (سبزه) — Sprouted wheat or lentils: rebirth and renewal
Samanu (سمنو) — Sweet wheat pudding: affluence and fertility
Senjed (سنجد) — Dried oleaster fruit: love and wisdom
Seer (سیر) — Garlic: health and protection
Sib (سیب) — Apple: beauty and good health
Serkeh (سرکه) — Vinegar: patience and age
Somaq (سماق) — Sumac berries: sunrise and the triumph of light over darkness

The table may also include: a mirror (reflection), candles (enlightenment), painted eggs (fertility), a goldfish bowl (life), coins (prosperity), hyacinth flowers, and a book of poetry or holy scripture.

Popular Nowruz Foods

Sabzi Polo ba Mahi — Herbed rice with fried fish (Iran)
Kookoo Sabzi — Herby green frittata (Iran)
Plov — Aromatic rice with meat and vegetables (Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan)
Dolma — Stuffed vine leaves (Azerbaijan)
Sabzi Challow — Spinach and lamb curry (Afghanistan)
Shekerbura — Moon-shaped cardamom pastry (Azerbaijan)
Sumalak — Sweet sprouted wheat pudding (Uzbekistan)

Common Nowruz Greetings

Nowruz Mobarak (نوروز مبارک) — Happy Nowruz
Nowruz Pirooz (نوروز پیروز) — May your Nowruz be victorious
Sal-e No Mobarak (سال نو مبارک) — Happy New Year
Eid-e Shoma Mobarak (عید شما مبارک) — Happy holiday (formal)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz is the Iranian and Persian New Year, a 3,000-year-old celebration rooted in Zoroastrianism that marks the arrival of spring on or around March 20–21.

When is Nowruz 2026?

Nowruz 2026 falls on Friday, March 20, 2026, coinciding with the spring equinox at 7:46 AM Pacific Time.

How many people celebrate Nowruz?

Approximately 300 million people across more than 15 countries celebrate Nowruz each year.

What is the Haft-sin table?

The Haft-sin is a ceremonial display of seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter "S," representing concepts like rebirth, health, patience, and beauty.

What is Chaharshanbe Suri?

Chaharshanbe Suri is a fire festival held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, where people jump over bonfires asking for health and energy.

Is Nowruz a religious holiday?

Nowruz is celebrated as a secular holiday by most people, though it remains a holy day for Zoroastrians, Baha'is, and Ismaili Shia Muslims.

What does Nowruz mean?

Nowruz combines the Persian words "now" (new) and "ruz" (day), literally meaning "New Day."

Contact

Website: https://www.happynowruz.com