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Persian New Year around corner, COVID-19 limits mass celebrations

Thursday, 11 March 2021 10:23 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 11 March 2021 10:23 PM ]

Yusef Jalali
Press TV, Tehran

Iran’s capital Tehran has hosted a conference on the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz. The event brought together representatives from countries that celebrate the ancient festivity.

Spring is about to kick in, and nations that celebrate Nowruz are gearing up to ring in the Persian New Year.

This gathering in Tehran is attended by representatives from all countries that mark the ancient tradition of Nowruz, including Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

They are here to exchange views on the history of the long-standing festivity and share their unique customs in celebrating the occasion.

Nowruz means new day in Persian and it marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. To Iranians, it translates into a time to refresh the soul from all the bad memories and make a fresh start in the year ahead.

Nowruz is now a recognized tradition in the world. In 2009, the United Nations proclaimed Nowruz an International event, at the initiative of several countries that share this event including Iran, Afghanistan, India, and Turkey.

Nowruz has been celebrated every year by Iranians since three millennia ago. This year, mass celebrations will largely be limited in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but that’s what Nowruz is all about: throw away bad thoughts and let’s hope that the in Persian New Year, the virus will leave us alone!

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