Nowruz, also spelled as Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, or Nauryz, translates to “new day,” with variations in spelling and pronunciation across different countries.
Celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, typically falling on March 21st, Nowruz heralds the arrival of spring. It holds profound cultural and historical importance, observed by over 300 million people worldwide for over 3,000 years across regions like the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009, Nowruz symbolizes the onset of spring and the rejuvenation of nature. This festivity fosters values of peace, solidarity, reconciliation, and neighborliness, fostering cultural diversity and friendship among communities.
Nowruz serves as a bridge connecting people through mutual respect, peace, and cooperation. Its traditions embody the rich cultural heritage of both Eastern and Western civilizations, highlighting the exchange of human values over millennia.
Celebrating Nowruz signifies embracing life in harmony with nature, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between human endeavor and the cyclical renewal of the natural world, while also promoting a respectful stewardship of the Earth’s resources.
Background: The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Nowruz Day in 2010, following a resolution put forward by countries sharing this tradition. The resolution acknowledged Nowruz’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and designated March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz.
Member states and relevant organizations are invited to participate in Nowruz-related events, emphasizing the celebration’s role in promoting cultural understanding and cooperation on a global scale.
Source: The United Nations