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Nowruz  زورون (new day) is celebrated on the first day of spring, around March 20. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Iranian solar calendar and has been observed for over 3,000 years across many cultures, including Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, parts of the Middle East, and even some communities in South Asia and the Balkans.

Nowruz is recognized as an official holiday in many countries and is acknowledged by the United Nations as an international celebration of cultural heritage. 

Nowruz begins at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, marking the start of spring. This year this occurs Friday 20 March at 18:15:59 Iran Standard Time (IRST) which corresponds to 14:45:59 pm, in ���ϳԹ���. 

Happy Nowruz to all who celebrate and thanks to Dr Parmis Mozafari who organised the Nowruz display in the Buchanan Building.

Key Aspects of Nowruz

• Haft-Seen Table (Sofreh-ye Haft-Seen): A symbolic arrangement of seven items starting with the Persian letter "S" (س), such as Sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils for rebirth), Samanu (sweet pudding for strength), Senjed (dried oleaster fruit for love), Seer (garlic for health), Seeb (apple for beauty), Somāq (sumac for the sunrise), and
  Serkeh (vinegar for wisdom).
• Spring Cleaning (Khāneh Tekāni): Families thoroughly clean their homes before the new year to welcome renewal and positivity.
• Fire Jumping Festival (Chāhārshanbe Suri): On the last Tuesday evening before Nowruz, people jump over bonfires, symbolizing purification and leaving behind bad memories of the previous year. Family Gatherings & Feasts: People visit relatives, share meals, and give gifts, especially to children.
• 13th Day Picnic (Sizdah Bedar): On the 13th day of Nowruz, families spend time outdoors to celebrate nature.