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Navruz is an ancient and vibrant festival celebrating the arrival of spring, the awakening of nature, and the beginning of a new year for many Eastern cultures.

Here are the key things to know about it:

• Meaning & Date: The word "Navruz" means "New Day" in Persian. It is celebrated annually on March 21st, the day of the spring equinox, when day and night are of equal length.

• Ancient Roots: It is one of the oldest holidays in the world, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. While it is not a religious holiday, it historically marks the start of the agricultural cycle.

• Symbolic Food: The most iconic dish is Sumalak, a sweet paste made from germinated wheat. It takes 24 hours to cook, and the process is a communal event filled with singing, dancing, and making wishes.

• Traditions & Customs:

  • Renewal: People clean their homes ("hashar"), buy new clothes, forgive old debts, and reconcile with enemies.

  • The Table: The festive table is filled with green dishes (like herb-filled dumplings called kuk-chuchvara) and traditional sweets.

  • Festivities: The celebration includes folk games, horse racing (kupkari), wrestling (kurash), and street performances.

• Global Status: In 2010, the UN declared March 21st as International Navruz Day, recognizing it as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.