The countdown to Nowruz is underway, and Iran is bustling with preparations for one of the most important and precious celebrations in Iranian culture. Millions of people plan to travel around the country to historic sites, natural scenery and family homes, while others remain in their homes to observe traditional family gatherings.
According to Tourism Minister Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, extensive arrangements are being made to ensure a vibrant Nowruz celebration across the country. For example, around 1,000 Nowruzgah (special Nowruz themed festival) will be held nationwide, offering cultural performances, storytelling, traditional music and folk dance. Officially launched at the Mirad Tower in Tehran last Friday, these events continue throughout the Nowruz era, except for three spiritually important nights of QADR during the holy month of Ramadan, when Iranians dedicated their prayers and reflection.
With the convergence of the Holy Moon of Ramadan this year, the Minister of Tourism has highlighted the overlap as its rare and unique events, allowing it to integrate cultural and religious values in a harmonious way. He emphasized that while Knowles represent Iran’s national identity, Ramadan reflects the country’s deep-rooted religious traditions, and historically, Iranians celebrated both without conflict.
Iran also serves as a central hub for Nowruz-related diplomatic conferences and cultural exchanges. Representatives of different countries observing Nowruz, including Turkey, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, are taking part in special gatherings and discussions aimed at promoting cultural connections and strengthening Nowruz’s international importance.
Foreign Minister: Nowruz is a symbol of friendship between nations and respect for nature
Speaking to attendees at Tehran’s Mirado Tower, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragci said the Knowles were more than a national celebration. It is a symbol of cultural ties, friendship between nations, and respects time with nature.
“To be with you today is a great honor for me. It is a representative of the nation celebrating Knowles as their shared cultural heritage. Nowruz goes beyond national celebrations. It is a symbol of cultural ties, inter-national fraternity, and respect for nature and time. This ancient ritual, Nowruz has been celebrated over a wide range of geography, inspiring hope, renewal and integration, from South Asia to the Balkans, from Central Asia to the Caucasus. This celebration reminds us of the ancient wisdom that arises from the centuries of history, as well as the forehead of tranquility, transformation and peaceful coexistence.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, Araguchi added that in the current challenging world, the need for dialogue, understanding and cooperation is more sensed than before. The Nowruz ritual itself conveys a message of friendship and interaction. “One of the birthplaces of this ancient tradition, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized the importance of dialogue and cultural cooperation between nations that are still celebrating. We therefore believe this common heritage can provide a basis for expanding regional and international cooperation in cultural, economic and social fields.”
Minister of Tourism: Nowruz is a catalyst for global peace and cultural unification
Another speaker at the ceremony, the Minister of Tourism, saith Reza Salehi Amiri, highlighting the main role of Knowles as a catalyst for promoting international solidarity, cultural cohesion and peace-oriented dialogue. Speaking at Tehran’s Azadi Cultural Complex, Salehi-Amiri described Nowruz as more than just a calendar event. He emphasized its importance as a long-standing Iranian discourse that can promote global peace and strengthen cultural connections. The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats of the country, who share intangible cultural heritage with Iran that registered Knowles with UNESCO.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the minister emphasized the convergence of Knowles and Ramadan this year, portraying it as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Iranian civilization. He also argued that Nowruz not only retains a prominent place in Iranian cultural life, but also could serve as a global model of peaceful coexistence.
Symbolism of cultural convergence and identity
The Minister reaffirmed that Knowles embody Iranian identity, Persian language and traditional customs, and unite Iranians beyond ethnic and religious distinctions under shared cultural heritage. He described it as a reflection of peaceful cohabitation between neighboring countries and communities with common cultural roots.
“In an age characterized by identity crisis and global conflict, Nowruz can serve as a comprehensive framework for promoting social cohesion and intercultural dialogue,” said Salehi-Amiri. He further emphasized Nowruz’s ability to unite diverse ethnic groups, nations and cultures, and likened it to a unified thread that transcends race, ethnic groups and religion.
Tools for cross-border heritage and global solidarity
Salehi-Amiri argued that Nowruz is not confined to geographical boundaries, but stands as an manifestation of knowledge, dignity, humanity and ethics. “Now we need more than ever, more than ever, a basic philosophy of Knowles: unity, harmony and mutual understanding,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing that Nowruz is not merely a theoretical or abstract concept, but a positive social practice that promotes cultural synergies and sustainable interactions between societies.
Cultural festivals enrich the global Nowruz celebration
The ceremony featured cultural performances including Kurdish DAF music, traditional Nowruz songs performed by various Iranian ethnic groups, artistic video projections and fire displays.
As in previous years, as part of a broader vision, the celebration of the multinational Nowruz is being held, offering a unique opportunity to elevate ancient traditions on the international stage to commemorate the arrival of the Persian New Year.
United Nations Label
Ancient UNESCO-registered Knowles festival marking the new year, guiding the spring and celebrating the rebirth of nature. Variously known as Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz or Nevruz, this historic celebration has been observed in many countries along the Silk Road on March 20 or 21, including Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Tajikan, Pakistan, Pakistan, Pakistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and more. Uzbekistan.
The name of this intercultural custom means “new”, “new”, “day” in Persian. It celebrates a new beginning and a return of spring. It is of great spiritual importance as it symbolizes the victory of evil over sorrow and good over joy. Nowruz includes rituals, rituals, cultural events, and the enjoyment of special meals with loved ones.
For the days leading up to Knowles, almost all Iranian households are engaged in hane tekani, or spring cleaning. This will deep cleanse your home to welcome the New Year with purity and renewal. The family also buys new clothes, dried nuts, sweets and decorations to create a festive atmosphere in the home. Markets and bazaars are bustling with activities as people shop for items to complete the Haft Scene, an iconic table setting featuring seven key elements that represent prosperity, health and happiness.
morning