About Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Nowruz, meaning "new day" in Persian, is the Persian or Iranian New Year, celebrated at the exact moment of the spring equinox around March 20 or 21. With roots in Zoroastrianism stretching back more than 3,000 years, it marks the rebirth of nature and the triumph of light over darkness. More than 300 million people welcome Nowruz worldwide, and the United Nations recognizes March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz.
Preparations begin weeks ahead with khaneh tekani, a thorough spring cleaning of the home. The centerpiece is the Haft-sin table, set with seven symbolic items whose names begin with the Persian letter "s" — such as sabzeh (sprouts), senjed, seer (garlic) and somaq — each standing for a hope for the new year, like health, love or prosperity. Families gather for the countdown to the equinox, visit relatives over thirteen days, and end the holiday outdoors on Sizdah Bedar, a day spent in nature.
Because Nowruz is tied to the astronomical equinox rather than a fixed calendar date, the exact day and time shift slightly each year. It is a public holiday across Iran, Afghanistan and much of Central Asia, the Caucasus and Kurdish regions. UNESCO has inscribed Nowruz on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The counter above shows exactly how long until the next Nowruz — add it to your own page to greet the new year at the precise turn of spring.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Saturday, March 20, 2027next |
| 2028 | Monday, March 20, 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, March 20, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, March 20, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, March 20, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Nowruz?
Nowruz falls on the spring (vernal) equinox, around March 20 or 21 each year, at the precise moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. The live counter above tracks the time remaining.
Who celebrates Nowruz?
More than 300 million people across Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus, Kurdish regions and diaspora communities worldwide.
How is Nowruz celebrated?
Families spring-clean their homes, set the symbolic Haft-sin table, gather for the equinox, visit relatives over thirteen days, and finish outdoors on Sizdah Bedar.
What is the Haft-sin table?
It is the traditional Nowruz display of seven symbolic items whose names start with the Persian letter "s," each representing a wish for the new year such as health, love, patience and prosperity.