Nowruz in Iran
Nowruz begins the Iranian year on 1 Farvardin and is a national public holiday. Its springtime customs include fire celebrations before the new year and the Haft Sin table in many Iranian homes.[1][2][3][4]
A new year rooted in spring
Nowruz means “New Day.” Encyclopaedia Iranica describes it as a spring festival associated with renewal and notes its long place in Zoroastrian observance. The new year is traditionally connected with the spring equinox, though its precise calendar date can vary.[2]
Nowruz is shared across several countries, but in Iran it marks the start of the Solar Hijri year. The Iranian law on public holidays lists 29 Esfand through 4 Farvardin as holidays; it separately lists 13 Farvardin, the date associated with Sizdah Bedar.[1]
Customs before the new year
In the run-up to Nowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri is held on the last Wednesday of the Persian solar year. A well-known custom is jumping over small fires. Practices vary by region: Encyclopaedia Iranica records local names in places including Ardabil, Gilan, Kurdistan and Isfahan, as well as differences in where fires are lit.[3]
Many Iranian households arrange a Haft Sin table for the new year. It features seven or more items whose names begin with the Persian letter sin; commonly listed items include sprouts, apples, garlic, vinegar and samanu, a sweet paste made from wheat. Other objects and foods may also be placed on the table.[4]
Public holiday and practical planning
The holiday period runs from 29 Esfand through 4 Farvardin. Check directly with offices, banks, shops and carriers if you need a particular service during these dates.[1]
13 Farvardin is a separate public holiday, distinct from the four Nowruz dates.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When does Nowruz begin in Iran?
Is Nowruz a public holiday in Iran?
Yes. The law lists 29 Esfand through 4 Farvardin as public holidays, covering the start of Nowruz.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport services open?
Check with the specific bank, shop or transport provider before travelling or arranging a visit.
Is Sizdah Bedar part of the same statutory holiday span?
The law separately lists 13 Farvardin as a public holiday, rather than including it in the 29 Esfand to 4 Farvardin span.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Nowruz in Iran:
- لایحه قانونی تعیین تعطیلات رسمی کشور- Nezamat
- NOWRUZ i. In the Pre-Islamic Period- Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation
- ČAHĀRŠANBA-SŪRĪ- Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation
- HAFT SIN- Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation