March 21, the day of the new year, marks the beginning of a new year in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran (the Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
This festival is also known as Nauryz, Navruz, Nawrouz, Nevruz, Nooruz, Novruz, Nowrouz, or Nowruz meaning 'new day' when a variety of cultural rituals, ceremonies, are observed for approximately two weeks, marking a time when people wish for wealth and success in the upcoming year.
During the spring equinox, a month called Farvardin begins, which is the first month of the Solar Hijri calendar (which is used by Iran and Afghanistan). Since the day of Nowruz originated in the Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism, it has been celebrated by various cultures in the Western and Central Asian regions, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia for over 3,000 years.
Despite being a secular holiday and enjoyed by several different faiths and cultures, Nowruz is a holy day for some Muslim communities, Zoroastrians, and Baha'is.
Around this time, it is a tradition to gather around a large table, decorated with objects that represent purity, wealth, livelihood, and prosperity to share a special meal with loved ones. It is tradition to exchange gifts, especially with relatives and neighbors, and to wear new clothes and visit the elderly.
People make gifts from artisan objects, and street performances of music and dance take place. There are also public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports, and the making of handicrafts.
Although Nowruz was celebrated since the reform of the Iranian calendar around the 11th century CE, the UN officially recognized it in February 2010 with Resolution 64/253 adopted by the UN General Assembly. This was to mark the start of the "International Day of Nowruz."
As well as supporting cultural diversity and tolerance, these traditions also build community solidarity and peace. They are transferred from older to younger generations through observation and participation.
However, the New Year has played a significant role in strengthening the ties between people and the ideals of peace and good neighbor relations. These traditions and rituals reflect the ancient customs and culture of the East and West, which influenced the civilizations through the exchange of human values.
By celebrating Nowruz, one affirms life in harmony with nature, relates to the inseparable link between productive work and natural cycles of renewal and demonstrates a reverent attitude towards natural resources.