Nowruz (meaning "New Day") is the Persian New Year, marking the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar. The Nowruz 2026 celebration begins precisely at the spring equinox on March 20, 2026. In the Iranian calendar, this will be the first day of the year 1405(Sal-e 1405).

This ancient festival is celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In recent years, Nowruz has gained recognition in many other countries with Iranian diaspora communities.

The Haft-Sin Table

The Nowruz celebration includes setting up a Haft-sin table with seven symbolic items starting with the letter "S" in the Persian alphabet:

SabzehWheat sprouts symbolizing rebirth

SibApple symbolizing health and beauty

SirGarlic symbolizing medicine and health

SomaghSumac symbolizing sunrise and new day

SenjedDried fruit symbolizing love

SamanooSweet pudding for prosperity

SonbolHyacinth flower symbolizing spring

Other Traditional Items

MahiFish symbolizing life and movement

SekeCoins symbolizing prosperity

AyenehMirror symbolizing reflection

The Nowruz celebration also includes visiting relatives and enjoying special foods such as Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish), Ash-e Reshteh (noodle soup), and sweets like Baklava and Shirini.

As we count down to Nowruz 2026 (1405) in the Persian calendar, many families are already planning their celebrations. Use our countdown timer to find the exact Nowruz time in your city and prepare for this joyous occasion. Nowruz Mubarak!