International Nowruz Day Celebrated on 21 March 2025.
Important Days
The United Nations (UN) observes International Nowruz Day annually on March 21 to promote cultural exchange, peace, and solidarity. Nowruz, meaning "new day" in Persian, marks the Persian New Year and is celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide, including communities in Iran, Central Asia, and the Parsi community in India.
- Nowruz is a 13-day festival rooted in Zoroastrianism, symbolizing harmony with nature and renewal. It has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across regions like the Balkans, Black Sea basin, Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
- The UN officially recognized International Nowruz Day in 2010 through Resolution A/RES/64/253, emphasizing its cultural importance. UNESCO inscribed Nowruz on its "Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2009.
- In 2025, Nowruz was celebrated globally on March 20, but the UN designates March 21 as its official observance. The festival fosters cultural diversity and strengthens global unity.
Main Point :- (i) In India, the Parsi community celebrates Nowruz twice—once on March 20 (Solar Hijri calendar) and again on August 15 (Shahenshahi calendar). The second celebration follows a calendar that does not account for leap years.
(ii) Nowruz traditions include feasting, family gatherings, and rituals symbolizing renewal and prosperity. It is widely recognized as a time for new beginnings, reconciliation, and harmony among different cultures.
(iii) By promoting Nowruz, the UN encourages intercultural dialogue and appreciation of diverse traditions, reinforcing its message of unity and peace worldwide.
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