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The word Norouz is a Persian word, which literally means “new day, but Norouz is generally understood as New Year.
It marks the first day of the first month (Farvardin) in the Iranian calendar. It usually falls on March 21 or the previous or following day, depending on where it is observed.
The moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year, and families gather together to observe the rituals.
The UN's General Assembly recognized the International Day of Norouz in 2010, describing it as a spring festival of Iranian origin, which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years.
People in Iran mark the turn of the year by saying a famous prayer, asking Allah to change their minds and perceptions in the same way He revives the nature.
Haft Sin is an important Norouz ritual, on which people decorate a table with seven items that represent the new season which begin with the Persian letter 'sin' (s).
Each of these items can be associated with certain values and carry meanings that are rooted in the desire for enjoyment, good luck and achievements for the year to come, while leaving the bad omens, malicious and unpleasant moments of the preceding year behind.
Though Norouz is basically an Iranian festival, but it is also celebrated in many areas of Pakistan. It is being celebrated in northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, some parts of Balohsistan including its capital Quetta.
While the Zoroastrian community which lives in Karachi city of the country, also celebrates the festival. The millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan also celebrate Norouz with full joy.
Many Pakistani poets like Iqbal Lahori have used Norouz and spring in their poetry too.
So it can be said that the festival offers a great opportunity for Iranian and Pakistani people to come closer and further strengthen their cultural ties.
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