<
 
 
 
 
×
>
You are viewing an archived web page, collected at the request of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) using Archive-It. This page was captured on 22:06:00 Dec 07, 2020, and is part of the UNESCO collection. The information on this web page may be out of date. See All versions of this archived page.
Loading media information hide

Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz

Your browser is not supported by this application. Please use recent versions of browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari to access 'Dive' interfaces.

Inscribed in 2016 (11.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

© Iranian Cultural Heritage Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), 2015

New Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. March 21 marks the start of the year in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is referred to as Nauryz, Navruz, Nawrouz, Nevruz, Nooruz, Novruz, Nowrouz or Nowruz meaning ‘new day’ when a variety of rituals, ceremonies and other cultural events take place for a period of about two weeks. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around ‘the Table’, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. New clothes are worn and visits made to relatives, particularly the elderly and neighbours. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports and the making of handicrafts. These practices support cultural diversity and tolerance and contribute to building community solidarity and peace. They are transmitted from older to younger generations through observation and participation.

Nowruz Celebration in Mazarsharif (Afghanistan)
Traditional cow horse carriage decorated with flowers (Afghanistan)
Traditional khoncha prepared for Novruz holiday in Azerbaijan
Folk staged performances during Novruz in Azerbaijan
The 'Ses' is a traditional silver tray, its circular form symbolizes family unity. It holds within items which signify a long and happy life. It is decorated with a flower garland or har for Navroze. Next to it is a mirror used on Navroze to gaze at oneself and make a wish for the new year. The thread and needle is symbolic of repairing relationships, stitching together hopes in the new year. (India)
All members of the house are blessed with a red kunku, vermillon tika or mark. In the picture yoghurt and rose petals are visible. These are traditional items for Navroze. (India)
Haji Firooz- Qazvin - Emarate Chehelsotoun (Iran)
Nowrouz traditional bazar (Iran)
Men and women dancing and celebrating Nowruz (Iraq)
Iraqi people celebrating Nowruz
Young girl welcoming the guest to Nauryz Dastarkhan (Kazakhstan)
Older ladies congratulating and blessing people with Nauryz (Kazakhstan)
Fumigation of homes with archa (Kyrgyzstan)
Kyz kuumay (catching a girl on a horse), is one of national Kyrgyz games that is played during Nooruz celebration
Silk road Korovan, Shimshal Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan)
Yak Polo Plaied in Broghil Valley, Chitral, Khyber Paghtunkhwa (Pakistan)
The Navruz parade in Dusti Square of Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
Mass celebration of festival Navruz in Hisor Castle (Tajikistan)
Nevruz fire in Turkey
Nevruz celebration in Turkey
Young sprouts symbolize beginning of spring (Turkmenistan)
Competition of Turkmen wrestlers
'Shoh moyle' annual ceremony (first ploughing ceremony) organized by farmworkers during Navruz (Uzbekistan)
Festive mood in the valleys (Uzbekistan)
Top