Nowruz means 'new day' and is usually celebrated between March 19 and March 22 during Spring Equinox. This year it is being celebrated today (March 20, 2025). The festival celebrated by over 300 million people across the globe has a history going back over 3,000 years to the era of Zoroastrianism during the pre-Islamic times in Persia (modern-day Iran). In India, the festival is significant for the Parsi community.

Nowruz 2025, the festival marking the start of the Persian (Iranian) New Year, is here. Also spelt Nowroz, Navroz, Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, or Nauryz, this day denotes the beginning of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere and the fall in the Southern Hemisphere

Exact time of Nowruz 2025 in India:

The Nowruz celebration in India begins precisely at the spring equinox, which falls on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:31 pm. The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night.

That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.

Globally, Nowruz is not linked to any particular religion as, according to the UN, it unites diverse cultures across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and beyond, offering a rich tapestry of customs, traditions, and shared values. The day is marked by rituals, ceremonies and cultural events, as well as preparing and savouring special meals with your loved ones.

Traditions and Customs of Nowruz:

To mark the new year and a fresh start to life, those celebrating Nowruz often engage in spring cleaning, or 'khaneh tekani'. Houses get new paint, and everything, from carpets to clothes and other stuff is washed. People also light bonfires, set off fireworks and send wish lanterns floating off into the night sky.

A common pre-Nowruz ritual involves people jumping over and around fires, chanting “My yellow is yours, your red is mine,” invoking the replacement of ills with warmth and energy. The fire festival also features an Iranian version of trick-or-treating, with people going door to door and being given a holiday mix of nuts and berries, as well as buckets of water.

History of Nowruz

As mentioned, Nowruz’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Persian empire and the Zoroastrian calendar. Originally a sacred time to celebrate the rebirth of nature, Nowruz, according to the United Nations brief on International Nowruz Day, evolved over centuries into a secular festival embraced by numerous ethno-linguistic and cultural communities.

"Its enduring appeal lies in its powerful symbolism—the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of new beginnings, both in nature and in the human spirit," the UN says as it explains the festival and its importance across different cultures and regions.

UN Recognition

Although it has been celebrated for thousands of years, Nowruz officially gained global recognition in 2010 when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz, following a proposal by several countries that cherish this day.

The UNGA adopted the resolution on 23 February 2010, calling the declaration a significant step in acknowledging the cultural heritage and shared values that Nowruz brings to the global community.

"As the world renews itself this spring, let us remember that every new year, and every day, is a chance for a new start; a chance to do things differently; an opportunity to build a better world," says UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

A symbol of unity and diversity

As a celebration of the renewal of life, Nowruz has always been more than a seasonal change. It is a festival that reinforces bonds within families, communities, and even between nations. Today, Nowruz is celebrated by people from various religious and cultural backgrounds, reflecting a universal desire for renewal, peace, and prosperity. Its international recognition by UNESCO and the United Nations underlines its significance as a unifying cultural event in our increasingly interconnected world.

PM Modi, Kharge, Rahul greet people on Nowruz 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the nation on Nowruz 2025. In a post on X, he said, "Navroz Mubarak! May this special day bring abundance of happiness, prosperity and good health to all. May the coming year be marked by success and progress, and may the bonds of harmony be strengthened. Wishing a joyful and fulfilling year ahead!"

Which countries celebrate Nowruz

Nowruz transcends national and religious boundaries, celebrated by diverse communities across the globe. Beyond Iran, Nowruz is celebrated in countries influenced by Persian culture and generally located along the ancient Silk Route. They include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, the Kurdistan Region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, and Pakistan.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also wished people on the occasion. "Our warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Navroz, the Parsi New Year. Navroz marks the onset of new beginnings, celebrating life and hope. May this festival strengthen the bonds of harmony and reinvigorate the values of peace in our diverse country. Navroz Mubarak!" Kharge wrote in his post on X.

Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also shared his greetings. "Navroz Mubarak! May this auspicious occasion bring joy, good health, and prosperity to you and your loved ones."

Nowruz 2025 Wishes and Greetings

Here are some of the Nowruz 2025 wishes and greetings for your loved ones:

Nowruz Mubarak. May this new year bring you joy, prosperity, and happiness.

Wishing you a blessed Nowruz, filled with love, laughter, and all your heart's desires.

Happy Nowruz! May this spring equinox mark the beginning of a brighter, more beautiful year for you.

May the arrival of spring bring with it a fresh start, new beginnings, and a year filled with wonder. Happy Nowruz!

May your life be filled with beauty, abundance, and the sweetness of love. Nowruz Mubarak!

Wishing you a Nowruz that's as bright and beautiful as you are.

May this Nowruz bring you new adventures, exciting opportunities, and unforgettable memories.

Here's to another amazing year! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous Nowruz.

To my loved ones, near and far, wishing you a joyous Nowruz and a year filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

May this Nowruz bring us closer together, and fill our hearts with warmth, kindness, and compassion.

Wishing my amazing family and friends a happy Nowruz, and a year that's as wonderful as you all are!

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