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Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is one of the most ancient and culturally significant celebrations in the world. Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and is observed by millions across various countries, including the Black Sea region and central and western Asia. In 2009, this amazing cultural ritual was registered on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This festival symbolizes renewal, joy, and the triumph of light over darkness. From Iran to India and Central Asia to the Balkans, Nowruz is a unifying celebration that transcends borders. Let’s find out which countries celebrate Nowruz.

How Is Nowruz Celebrated in Different Countries?

Nowruz is celebrated in various ways across different countries, reflecting each region’s unique culture and traditions. In Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Kazakhstan, families gather for communal feasts, prepare traditional dishes like sumalak, sabzi polo, and haft mewa, and engage in cultural performances.

In Albania, the festival is observed with spiritual ceremonies, while Iraq, particularly among Kurds, sees Nowruz as a symbol of resistance and freedom, celebrated with bonfires and folk dances. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan embrace their nomadic heritage through horse games, poetry recitals, and festive gatherings.

Azerbaijan hosts grand public celebrations with fireworks and music, whereas in India, the Parsi community marks Nowruz with prayers, charity, and delicious festive meals. Despite the regional differences, the essence of Nowruz remains the same: welcoming the new year with hope, joy, and unity.

Afghanistan

Nowruz in Afghanistan is a major festival, especially in cities like Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Herat. One of the most significant events is Guli Surkh, the Red Flower Festival, held in Mazar-i-Sharif. This marks the blooming of tulips and includes horse riding competitions, music, and poetry recitals.

Families prepare traditional meals like haft mewa, a fruit and nut dish, and samanak, a wheat-based dessert. Kite flying and egg fights are common activities enjoyed by both children and adults. Nowruz also aligns with the Afghan New Year, making it a time for new beginnings and fresh aspirations.

Iraq

In Iraq, Nowruz is most prominently observed by the Kurdish population. The festival is a symbol of freedom and resistance, and celebrations include bonfires, traditional dancing, and storytelling. Families gather to enjoy dishes like dolma and grilled meats while wearing vibrant traditional clothing.

Kurdish New Year festivities often extend to the mountains, where people embrace nature’s beauty. The lighting of fires represents victory over darkness, a theme deeply embedded in Kurdish history and identity.

Iran

As the birthplace of Nowruz, Iran hosts the most elaborate celebrations. The festival lasts for 13 days, beginning with Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire-jumping ritual symbolizing purification. Families set up the Haft-Seen table, featuring seven symbolic items, each representing an aspect of life and prosperity.

During Nowruz, Iranians visit relatives, exchange gifts, and enjoy dishes like Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herb rice with fish). The final day, Sizdah Bedar, is celebrated outdoors, where people picnic in parks and release their sorrows into nature. Nowruz in Iran is a deeply spiritual and familial event that fosters unity and happiness.

Albania

Though Nowruz is lesser known in Albania, it is celebrated primarily by the Bektashi community, a Sufi order with Persian influences. The festival is a time of spiritual reflection, prayers, and communal feasts. People visit shrines and light candles to honor their ancestors.

Unlike other countries, Albanian Nowruz is more solemn, focusing on personal growth and devotion. However, it still carries the essence of renewal and gratitude, reminding people to cherish life’s blessings.

Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, Nowruz is a grand public holiday with fireworks, concerts, and open-air feasts. Families set up Khoncha, a decorative tray with candles, painted eggs, and sweets. Jumping over bonfires is a popular tradition, believed to cleanse the spirit.

Azerbaijanis also celebrate four pre-Nowruz Tuesdays, each dedicated to one of the elements: water, fire, earth, and wind. These traditions emphasize the deep-rooted cultural significance of Nowruz in the region.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Nowruz celebrations reflect the country’s nomadic heritage. The festival is marked by horse games, wrestling competitions, and traditional music performances. Sumalak is a must-have dish, cooked in large cauldrons and shared among neighbors.

The communal spirit of Nowruz in Kyrgyzstan is strong, as people clean their homes, resolve conflicts, and exchange warm greetings. The focus on unity and renewal makes this an essential holiday in the Kyrgyz calendar.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s Nowruz festivities mirror Persian traditions but with a local touch. The festival lasts several days and features parades, poetry recitals, and theatrical performances. The Haft-Seen table is common, and people prepare festive foods like Plov (pilaf) and Samsa.

A distinctive Tajik tradition is the Gulgardani, where young people visit homes, sing folk songs, and receive sweets in return. This practice embodies the spirit of generosity and joy that defines Nowruz.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan embraces Nowruz as a national holiday, blending Persian and Turkic traditions. The celebrations include street performances, music, and large communal feasts featuring Nauryz Kozhe, a special soup with seven key ingredients symbolizing wealth and abundance.

A unique aspect of Kazakh Nowruz is the Aitys, a poetry contest where participants engage in verbal duels, showcasing their wit and creativity. The emphasis on hospitality during Nowruz is profound; people visit elders, exchange warm wishes, and share homemade delicacies.

Turkmenistan

Nowruz in Turkmenistan is a time of national pride, celebrated with cultural festivals, equestrian shows, and musical performances. People prepare Govurma, a traditional meat dish, and engage in outdoor festivities.

The Turkmen government promotes Nowruz as a cultural heritage event, ensuring that traditional crafts, dances, and oral stories are passed down to younger generations. The festival reinforces a sense of identity and historical continuity.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, Nowruz is an official holiday and is celebrated with grand festivities. People prepare special dishes like Sumalak, a sweet dish made from sprouted wheat, which symbolizes prosperity. Families gather to share traditional meals, perform folk dances, and participate in sports such as wrestling and horse racing. Public squares come alive with concerts, colorful parades, and cultural performances that highlight the country’s rich heritage.

Another key aspect of Nowruz in Uzbekistan is community service. People engage in charitable activities, helping those in need. The emphasis on generosity and goodwill makes Nowruz not just a personal celebration but a community-wide event that strengthens social bonds.

India

In India, Nowruz is mainly celebrated by the Parsi and Iranian communities. Known as Jamshedi Navroz, it is marked by prayers at fire temples, family gatherings, and feasting on delicacies like patra ni machhi (steamed fish) and ravo (sweet semolina dish).

The Indian Nowruz is a blend of Zoroastrian rituals and regional customs, making it a colorful and diverse celebration. Many Parsis also use this day to perform acts of charity, reflecting the spirit of renewal and kindness.

Which Country has the Grandest Nowruz Celebration?

Iran hosts the grandest Nowruz celebrations, as it is the heartland of this ancient Persian festival. Marking the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring, Nowruz in Iran is a deeply rooted tradition that spans over 3,000 years. Festivities begin with Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire-jumping ritual held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, and continue with Haft-Seen, an elaborate table setting symbolizing renewal and prosperity. The celebrations last for 13 days, culminating in Sizdah Bedar, a national picnic day where families gather outdoors to embrace nature.

Iran’s Nowruz is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and its vibrant customs, including music, dance, and poetry, make it the most extravagant and culturally rich Nowruz celebration in the world.

Last Words

Nowruz is more than just a New Year celebration; it is an evidence to resilience, cultural heritage, and the human spirit’s ability to renew and rejoice. Whether in Iran, Central Asia, or beyond, Nowruz unites people in a shared appreciation for life’s beauty and new beginnings.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating Persian festival, here’s a video to provide you with full information about Nowruz and its unique traditions. Learn how to set the Haft Seen table, learn what each of the seven elements means in this tradition, and celebrate the Persian New Year.

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