Nowruz Bayram is celebrated on March 21 every year, and we’re going to show you how you can celebrate the day in the best way possible. Did you know that Nowruz Bayram has its root in ancient Persian mythology? Nowruz Bayram is a celebration of the New Year according to the Persian calendar. It marks the beginning of Spring. It is a public holiday, and most schools and offices are closed on this day. People celebrate this holiday by buying new clothes, cleaning up their houses, visiting friends and relatives, and having sumptuous meals with family.
History of Nowruz Bayram
The origin of Nowruz Bayram can be traced back to Iranian mythology. In the poems of Shahnameh, it is mentioned that a king named Jamshaid saved mankind from the catastrophic winter that was destined to swallow up all life forms. It is said that King Jamshid did so by building a throne made of precious stones. The throne shone like the sun, and winter was defeated. People celebrated and named this day ‘New Ruz,’ which translates as ‘New Day’—the first day of the Iranian calendar.
Celebrations of Nowruz Bayram have also been recorded in the Achaemenid Empire. It is said that on this day the kings would visit each other and share gifts. That is also the time when Armenians were said to have brought their well-known wine to the king. After the Muslim conquest, celebrations of Nowruz Bayram continued. In the palace of King Adud-al-Dawla, Nowruz Bayram was a grand celebration. The halls were decorated with gold and silver, and there was music, food, and laughter.
In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added the festival of Nowruz Bayram to its list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To celebrate, people visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts. And decorations for the festival include the Haft Sin (pronounced as ‘seen’), which refers to seven items — each beginning with the Farsi letter ‘s.’
Nowruz Bayram timeline
King Jamshid saves living creatures from the deadly winter by making a throne that shines like the Sun.
In the Achaemenid period, Armenians bring their famous wine to the king.
Nowruz Bayram is added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Nowruz Bayram celebration continues among people in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, and other Central Asian countries.
Nowruz Bayram FAQs
Which God is worshiped on Nowruz Bayram?
Originally, Nowruz Bayram was a Zoroastrian festival and a god named Ahura Mazda was worshiped. Ahura Mazda is the form of fire and is still worshiped by Parsis in India.
How do you congratulate Nowruz?
Nowruz Bayram is the beginning of the New Year. So you can wish each other by saying Happy Nowruz or Nowruz Mubarak.
What is the meaning of the word 'Bayram'?
The word in Turkic language means a holiday celebrated nationally in a secular way by all nations and religions.
Nowruz Bayram Activities
Visit friends and family
This is one of the best ways to celebrate Nowruz Bayram. Visit your friends and family or invite them over to your house for a traditional feast. Make and share traditional Persian recipes and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of you celebrating Nowruz Bayram with your friends and relatives and post them on your social media page.
Clean up your house
Nowruz Bayram marks the starting of the Spring and the New Year. Welcome the first day of the New Year on a positive note by clearing up all the clutter and tidying your house.
5 Interesting Facts About Nowruz Bayram Traditions
There is a Persian Santa
Amu Nowruz is the Persian counterpart of Santa Claus in the Nowruz Bayram celebrations.
Traditional food is enjoyed
Some of the delicacies made on Nowruz Bayram are Samanu, Nan-e-Nokhodchi, and Sabzi polo.
There exists symbolic arrangement
The arrangement of Haft-Sin represents the four elements and 3 life forms.
Haft-Mewa is a staple on this day
People in Afghanistan celebrate Nowruz Bayram by preparing Haft-Mewa, a sweet made from dry fruits.
There is a fire-making ritual
In Turkmenistan, there is a fire ritual that involves people jumping over the bonfire seven times (as it symbolizes purity).
Why We Love Nowruz Bayram
We spend time with our loved ones
This day provides us with an opportunity to meet with friends and relatives and extend our wishes. It brings families together and strengthens the bond between friends.
It tests our cooking skills
There are an ample number of traditional Persian recipes that you can try. Nowruz Bayram gives us a chance to try out new recipes and challenge ourselves in the kitchen.
It allows us to learn
This is also a day of learning. We get a chance to celebrate and appreciate the culture and traditions of Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries.
Nowruz Bayram dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 21 | Wednesday |
