Nawruz, also known as Jashn-e-Nowruz, is a widely celebrated festival in Asia. The word "Nawruz" itself means "new day" in Persian and marks the beginning of the Persian New Year. It is a time of renewal, rebirth, and rejuvenation celebrated on the first day of spring, usually on March 21st, and continues for 13 days.
Nawruz has a long history and is celebrated in various cultures and religions, including Zoroastrianism, Islam, and the Baha'i faith. In Asia, Nawruz is celebrated in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and other parts of Central Asia. Each country has its own unique way of celebrating Nawruz, but the festival is generally marked with feasting, dancing, and other forms of revelry.
In Iran, for instance, Nawruz is considered the most significant national holiday, and preparations for it begin weeks in advance. The festivities kick off with a massive spring cleaning, where people clean their homes, buy new clothes, and decorate their houses with flowers, especially hyacinths, and tulips. Families then gather around a traditional table setting called "Haft-Seen," which symbolizes seven aspects of life, including health, prosperity, and love. The table is decorated with items like a mirror, coins, garlic, and an apple. Other traditional activities include visiting friends and family, exchanging gifts, and feasting on traditional dishes.
Similarly, in Afghanistan, Nawruz is celebrated with a three-day public holiday, and people prepare for the festival by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and cooking traditional dishes. People often gather in parks or public places to enjoy music and dancing, and children enjoy kite-flying and other outdoor activities.
In Pakistan, Nawruz is known as "Nauroz," and it is celebrated in many parts of the country, especially in the northern areas bordering Afghanistan. The festival is marked with traditional food, music, and dance, and people often wear traditional clothes and participate in sporting events like horse riding.
