Iran is planning to host the ECO member states in its international Nowruz festivities, due to be held in the capital city of Tehran.

According to Deputy Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization Reza Mousavi, the ceremony will be held in the final week of the current Persian year ending March 21.

Several exhibitions will also be held on the sidelines of the event showcasing traditional handicrafts of ECO member countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"The event will be an opportunity for the participants to become more familiar with one another's cultural and tourist attractions," said Mousavi.

Nowruz, which coincides with the first day of spring on the solar calendar, is mostly celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

For Iranians, Nowruz is a celebration of renewal and change, a time to visit relatives and friends, and pay respect to senior family members.

Iranians welcome the New Year by wearing new clothes and setting the Haft Seen, a table containing seven items starting with the letter 'S' -- Sabzeh (freshly grown greens), Samanoo (A type of traditional pudding), Senjed (Jujube), Seeb (Apple), Seer (Garlic), Sumac and Serkeh (vinegar).

TE/HGH