Bahar: the New Day in Persia

Nowrouz Traditions and Spring Festivities in Central Asia and Iran

The Nowrouz festival celebrates the coming of spring by people all over central Asia who have a common heritage, language and history. These include Afghans, Iranians, Tajiks, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Balouchis, Uzbeks and the multitude of Parsis in India.

Nowrouz means 'new day' in Farsi. It coincides with the first day of spring (Bahar) in Afghanistan; symbolically, spring is the beginning of life in nature, the beginning of labor and love to land and birds. Historically, however, Nawrouz has been celebrated on March 21 for thousands of years; in fact, it could be the earliest-known New Year festival in the world's history. It is believed that Nawrouz holiday was founded by the Zoroastrian prophet, Prophet Spenta Zarathustra and was first celebrated about 5000 years ago in Northern Afghanistan. It is said that when King Yama of ancient Bacteria (Balkh) established the solar calendar, he named the first day Naw rouz (new day), during the week of Lala Zaar (Tulips).

After Islam was established in Afghanistan, Nawrouz was given a religious aspect. It was dedicated to celebrate the day when the Commander of faithful Imam Ali (a) became the fourth Caliph. Thousands of people at the eve of New Year travel to Mazar-e Sharif to view the spectacular sight of tulips and to visit the famous mosque, Ziarat-e Sakhi , where Hazrat Ali (a) is believed to be entombed.

Iranians believe that Nawrouz was acknowledged officially and was named "Nowrouz" by a mythical Persian emperor, Jamshid. Others have credited the Achaemenid dynasty (12th B.C.) for institutionalizing the Nowrouz festival. The connection between Nawrouz and Zoroastrians is referred to in the Gathas, the scripture of Zoroastrians. It consists of seven attributes called the Amesha Spentas meaning "Bounteous Immortals" and to this day seven has remained a very significant number in the festival of Nao Roz: the Persian have "Haft-Seen", while the Afghans have "Haft-Maiwa". Haft Seen is a mix of seven different foods that the names start with a letter Seen (C). Haft Maiwa is the mix of seven different dry fruits.

There are different rituals and festivities that take place in different regions of Afghanistan at the Nowrouz. Among the most important festivities at Mazar-i-Sharif is the raising of Janday Sakhi (Flag of Imam Ali) at the first day of New Year, besides Maila ye Gul-e-Surkh (the Red Flower fete), and Boz Kashi (the Horse and Goat game). In Kabul too, there is raising of the Janday Sakhi (Flag of Imam Ali) at the first day of New Year, while in Kandahar, there is wrestling, Naiza Bazi (archery), Ghaizh, Neshan Weshtal (various sports). In Afghanistan, the spring is also celebrated as the Rooz-e-Dehqan (day of the farmer) accompanied by agricultural shows, and as Jashn-e-Nehal Shani (the day of planting of trees). Some of the special food items prepared during Nowrouz are Kulcha-e-Nowrouzi (the Nowrouz bread), Maiwa ye Tarkarda (7 nuts in sweetened water), Sabzi Challow (Spinach and Rice). A favourite outdoor activity on Nowrouz is called Sabza Laqhat Kardan, when families go to the fields and farms and spend the day picnicking.

The Nowrouz celebration has changed through time because of various political and social events such as the Greek invasion, the Mongols destruction, and the spread of Islam. But most of historical festivities and customs for celebrating of Nawrouz as New Day for love to land and labor have been kept untouched by people.