Significance

Nowruz ('New Day') is the Persian and Zoroastrian New Year, celebrated at the exact moment of the spring equinox — when day and night are equal and light begins to prevail. It is the most important festival in the Zoroastrian and Iranian calendar, predating the Islamic era by millennia.

Traditional observances

Set the Haft-Seen table with 7 symbolic items beginning with 'S' (e.g., sabzeh/sprouts, sib/apple, sir/garlic)
Spring cleaning the home to welcome the new year
Jump over bonfires on the eve of Nowruz (Chaharshanbe Suri)
Visit family and exchange gifts
Plant seeds symbolizing new growth

Honored deities

Ahura Mazda