Nowruz, literally translated as ‘New Day,’ is a spring festival that marks the end of the old year and the start of a new one and is celebrated every year on March 21, 2018, by millions of people worldwide, and especially, in countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It can be traced to Zoroastrianism founded in Persia about 3,500 years ago. It is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the monotheistic religion. On the eve of Nowruz, families get together to celebrate the beginning of a new year and a hopeful new life. The celebrations include deep wishing for good luck in the year ahead to each other.
Afghan Studies Center wishes everyone a Happy Nowruz!