Nowruz is a celebration that marks the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually takes place on March 21, the news site adds. The celebrations last for 13 days, and it’s an opportunity to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. The festival is rooted in Zoroastrianism, a religion practised in ancient Persia that predates Christianity and Islam, Al Jazeera reminds.
According to The United Nations cultural agency (UNESCO), the return of spring has great spiritual significance, representing the triumph of good over evil and joy over sorrow, the article reminds. “The Spirit of Noon, known as Rapithwina, who was considered to be driven underground by the Spirit of Winter during the cold months, was welcomed back with celebrations at noon on the day of Nowruz according to Zoroastrian tradition,” UNESCO said, according to Al Jazeera.