Nowruz shopping in the capital of Afghanistan

Nowruz, also spelled as Nawruz or Norooz, is a traditional Iranian festival that marks the beginning of the Persian New Year. It is celebrated on the first day of spring, usually falling on March 20th or 21st. Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is considered the most important holiday in Iran and other countries in the region. The origins of Nowruz can be traced back to ancient Persia, where it was celebrated as a sacred day dedicated to the worship of the sun and fire. It was believed that on the day of Nowruz, the sun began its journey back to the northern hemisphere, bringing with it the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and the renewal of life. This symbolism of rebirth and rejuvenation is a central theme of Nowruz celebrations.