Google commemorated ‘International Nowruz Day 2024′ with a vibrant Google Doodle crafted by Iranian artist Pendar Yousefi, capturing the essence of the joyous Nowruz celebrations that mark the arrival of spring.
Nowruz, translating to “new day” in Farsi, is not just the Iranian or Persian New Year but a globally cherished festival observed by over 300 million people. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, Nowruz heralds the beginning of the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar, typically falling around the spring equinox, between March 19th and March 21st.
This ancient festival is widely embraced along the Silk Roads, spanning countries like Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, and more. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Nowruz 2024:
Nowruz 2024: Date and Timings
Nowruz 2024 falls on March 20th, with the vernal equinox occurring at 6:36 AM in Tehran, Iran. While the United Nations designates March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz, acknowledging its global reach and cultural significance, celebrations vary across regions:
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: March 20, 2024, at 9:06 AM
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: March 20, 2024, at 8:06 AM
Tirana, Albania: March 20, 2024, at 4:06 AM
Tbilisi, Georgia: March 20, 2024, at 7:06 AM
Baghdad, Iraq: March 20, 2024, at 7:06 AM
Damascus, Syria: March 20, 2024, at 6:06 AM
In India, Nowruz 2024 will witness dual celebrations due to different calendar traditions. The first on March 20th, aligning with the global observance, and the second on August 15th, following the Shahenshahi calendar.
Nowruz 2024: History and Significance
With a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, Nowruz originated from Zoroastrianism in ancient Persia. Beyond Iran, it holds significance across Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and South Asia. Symbolizing nature’s renewal and the onset of spring, Nowruz embodies UNESCO’s spirit of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.
Nowruz is a day of rejoicing, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and joy over sorrow. United Nations’ recognition in 2010 further underscores its role in fostering global unity and cultural exchange.
Traditional customs, including fire rituals, dances, and exchanging gifts, resonate with themes of renewal and vitality. At the heart of Nowruz festivities lies the haft-sin tradition, where families meticulously arrange seven symbolic items.
As we embrace Nowruz 2024, let’s celebrate its profound message of peace, solidarity, and cultural harmony, transcending borders and uniting humanity in the spirit of renewal and hope.